Lady Rita Rae QC elected as Rector of Glasgow University

That this House congratulates Lady Rae on her election as Rector of the University of Glasgow on 21st April 2020; notes that Lady Rae is making history by becoming the University of Glasgow’s first female working Rector, and only the second woman ever elected to the post after the symbolic election of Winne Mandela in 1987; further notes Lady Rae’s distinguished legal career of five decades, which she began as a solicitor in Glasgow, becoming a partner in a leading criminal law practice, appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992, serving as a sheriff and finally as a Senator of the College of Justice, holding a seat as an Upper Tribunal Judge presiding over immigration and asylum appeals; notes that Lady Rae was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Glasgow in 2019 in recognition of her contribution to Scots Law; notes that the role of Rector, the ex-officio chair of the University Court and a voice and advocate for students in university management structures, has existed at Glasgow since 1542; and wishes Lady Rae all the best in her new role as Rector as she takes forward her commitments to widening participation, promoting multiculturalism, student safety, welfare and internationalism.