Sir Clement Freud named as rector of St Andrews

THE broadcaster and commentator, Sir Clement Freud, was last night named as the victor in the race to be the new rector of St Andrews University.

After a controversial and bitterly fought race, Sir Clement walked away with 52.4 per cent of the vote.

In second place, with 31.4 per cent of the 1,892 votes cast, was Germaine Greer, the feminist writer and lecturer. The former student Barry Joss, 26, gained 16.1 per cent and came third. Sir Clement took his team to a private party to celebrate the results of the ballot, which were read out in the college bar.

But while they were celebrating the win, Ms Greer’s campaign manager complained about the way the election battle had been fought.

Marco Biagi, who is also one of three vice-presidents at the university’s student association, said: "It is a shame the campaign could not have been more positive on the other side. I am disappointed people took so many preconceptions into the polling station." Mr Biagi made his comments following allegations that the side fighting for Sir Clement had pulled down election posters belonging to others.

But the candidacy of Ms Greer, 63, was challenged by opponents who said the feminist - who is a professor in English literature at Warwick University - could not stand because she held a post elsewhere. They said the 19th century academic John Ruskin was forced to stand down for the same reason.

Ms Greer also faced charges that her nomination was invalid as she originally campaigned under the banner of "Anyone But Freud" and signatories had not named her specifically.

During the campaign, Greer faced criticism over comments she made in the wake of Cherie Blair’s miscarriage to the effect that Tony Blair should give her a break.

She also faced opposition from a group stemming from the Liberty Club, a right-wing student organisation, calling itself the "Anyone but Greer" campaign. These, however, were dismissed by Miss Greer as a ‘glorified boys’ drinking club’." But the battle was not all one-sided. Sir Clement, 78, a former Liberal MP, faced claims that the court rules deemed him ineligible because of his age.

Following his victory with 992 votes last night on an overall turnout of about one third, Sir Clement said: "I am delighted and proud to have been chosen. My genuine sympathies are with the two candidates who did not win."

Brian Land, the principal, said: "I am very pleased with the result. Sir Clement will be a most distinguished rector."

Student University Association president Rory O’Hare added: " If Sir Clement can keep his presence in the town as prominent as he has done during the election, then it will be great for the university."

The three-year post, currently held by Andrew Neil, the Publisher of Scotsman Publications, is part-honorary, but the holder chairs monthly meetings of the university’s governing body.

Chris Woodhead, the former head of Ofsted, the schools inspectorate in England, withdrew from the race shortly after nominations closed three weeks ago.