Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar elected rector of University of Glasgow

Glasgow University - Flickr

Left-wing lawyer Aamer Anwar has been elected rector of the University of Glasgow in a competition which saw controversial right-wing extremist blogger Milo Yiannopoulos beaten into fourth.

Anwar, who famously acted as a solicitor for Tommy Sheridan in his court action against the News of the World, won over half of the votes cast by students.

He succeeds US National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has held the post for three years.

RELATED CONTENT

University of Glasgow's impact on economy revealed

Angela Constance writes to Edinburgh University rectors over their fears for HE governance reform

Anwar received 4458 votes, senior judge Lady Hazel Cosgrove received 1409 votes, former UK business secretary Vince Cable got 535 votes, just ahead of Yiannopoulos on 533 votes.

Anwar also contested the role in 2008, when he lost out to former Liberal Democrat leader, the late Charles Kennedy.

Last night he described the result as "tremendous". 

"For me, it just encompasses the fact that students at Glasgow University do care," he said.

"They've sent a message of unity against hatred and bigotry. They want their voices to be heard - they've fought for far too long and have been ignored."

He has acted in some high-profile cases in Scotland, including the 2014 review of the release of alleged Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi.

The role involves representing students and includes attending five meetings a year. It is thought Snowden will have found these commitments difficult after fleeing to Russia.