May lands uni job

Updated 07.09 Tue Nov 20 2007

Keywords: Brian May

Brian May has been appointed Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), it has been confirmed.

The Queen guitarist, who is taking over from Cherie Booth QC, is due to take up his position in February next year.

The Queens guitarist, who is taking over from Cherie Booth QC, is due to take up his position in February next year

In a statement May said: "The way my life is at the moment, I probably didn't need another challenge, but this one was irresistible!

"I have a great feeling for the university and the dedicated people who run it, and I am convinced there is an opportunity here to go where no one has been before.

"I understand Cherie Booth QC was very active in the life of the university, and I hope to be a worthy successor."

When asked if he'll be marking the occasion, he said: "Yes, I will be celebrating tonight. How? With a delicious vegetarian roast, and a glass of choice desert wine!"

The former Prime Minister's wife held the position of Chancellor from 1999 to 2006.

In July this year, Brian May was made an Honorary Fellow of LJMU during the University's graduation ceremonies.

His Fellowship was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, and for encouraging the public understanding of science following publication of his book Bang! The Complete History of the Universe.

May co-authored the book with Chris Lintott and Sir Patrick Moore, who is also a Fellow of LJMU.