The Rt. Hon Charles Kennedy fought off competition from the writer and comedian, AL Kennedy, in this year’s Rectorial elections.

Voting was held on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February as 3,230 students voted the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber in, by 2601 votes to 565, for a second consecutive term in office. This is the first time anyone has retained the post, which lasts three years, since Benjamin Disraeli held it in the 1870s.

The post of Rector fairly is relatively rare in universities today; only five of the ancient universities have retained the position, which represents the voice of the student body in University affairs and Chairs the University Court.

In the past the University has appointed 11 former Prime Ministers including Sir Robert Peel, William Glasdstone and Stanley Baldwin, the former President of France, Raymond Poincaré, and Glaswegian trade union activist, Jimmy Reid.

Rector election results 2011 Charles celebrates his re-election with a group of supporters

Rector election results 2011 The man for the job: Charles alongside Profs Muscatelli and Caie

Rector election results 2011 Charles eventually triumphed by 2601 votes to 565

First published: 24 February 2011

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