Sandi Toksvig and Gina Miller on Cambridge chancellor shortlist

Anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig are among the final list of candidates hoping to become Cambridge University’s new chancellor.

The women are on a shortlist that includes eight men, ranging from Labour peer and former minister Chris Smith to economist Dr Mohamed El-Erian.

“Electing the first woman to the role – while not essential – would be powerful and symbolic, affirming Cambridge’s commitment to modernity and equality,” said Mrs Miller.

This will be the first time voting for the position of chancellor can take place online and in person.

The chancellor is the university’s formal and ceremonial head.

The role has no executive responsibilities, but is part of the university’s public-facing activities and fundraising.

The election comes after Lord Sainsbury of Turville announced last year he intended to step down after more than a decade in the role.

Ms Toksvig, who hosted The Great British Bake Off and QI and co-founded the Women’s Equality Party, said: “The first known chancellor of Cambridge was Richard of Wetheringsett who served sometime between 1215 and 1232.

“After that we have had a plethora of other Richards, many Johns and an awful lot of Stephens – after over 800 years I wonder if it isn’t time for a change?”

Lord Smith has been the master of Pembroke College, Cambridge, since 2015, while Dr El-Erian is president of Queens’ College, Cambridge.

Other candidates on the shortlist include Cambridge astrophysicist Prof Wyn Evans, former BP chief executive Lord Browne, education professor Tony Booth, as well as Ayham Ammora, Ali Azeem and Mark Mann.

More than 34,500 alumni and current senior academic and professional staff have registered to vote online, which will take place between 9 and 18 July.

The university expects several thousand more people to vote in person at its Senate House in Cambridge on 12 or 16 July.

The winning candidate will be announced in the week beginning 21 July.