A former North East MP has spoken of her "incredible honour" at becoming the first woman to be appointed chancellor of Teesside University.

Jenny Chapman will officially be installed at a special ceremony later this year.

Baroness Chapman was the member of parliament for her home town of Darlington between 2010 and 2019.

Professor Paul Croney, OBE, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Teesside University, said he was delighted to welcome Baroness Chapman as their new chancellor.

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He added: "She shares our institutional values and will be an outstanding ambassador and advocate for our university.

"She will help to drive our mission to transform lives and economies, and I am sure she will be instrumental in helping to achieve our university’s future ambitions.

“Throughout her career she has spoken powerfully about this region and she recognises the important role higher education plays in revitalising and enriching our society.

“As someone who commands enormous respect across the political divide, Baroness Chapman will be an incredible asset for Teesside University and the Tees Valley, and I look forward to working closely with her on our joint mission.”

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Baroness Chapman served on the Labour front benches as Shadow Minister for Prisons, Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Shadow Minister for Exiting the European Union.

She was made a life peer in 2020 and sits in the House of Lords as the Opposition Cabinet Spokesperson, as well as Shadow Minister of State at the Cabinet Office.

She said: "It is an incredible honour to be appointed as Teesside University’s new Chancellor.

“The role that Teesside University has played in the regeneration and economic success of this region, through innovation, support for students and graduates, and industry-engaged research, cannot be understated.

“Teesside University’s mission to raise the aspirations among our young people and provide them with ambition, inspiration and opportunity aligns with the causes I have fought for throughout my political career. 

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"I am proud to join Team Teesside and am committed to doing all I can to help the University continue its remarkable work.”

This follows the appointment Ada Burns as the University’s first woman Chair of the Board of Governors.

A university spokesperson said the appointments exhibit its commitment to "equality and diversity" and supporting strong role models.