Anwar elected rector of Glasgow University

Aamer Anwar, the high profile Glasgow human rights solicitor, was elected rector of Glasgow University yesterday, polling more than half of the 8,210 votes cast in a contest that featured 10 candidates.

Mr Anwar received 4,458 votes, more than three times as many as another legal figure, the former judge Lady Cosgrove, who came second with 1,409. Former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister Vince Cable, who was once a Glasgow councillor, gained 535 votes and the controversial right wing candidate Milo Yiannopolous 533.

The rectorship has a three year term of office. Mr Anwar, a former student at the university, succeeds the "symbolic" rector, whistleblower Edward Snowden, and has promised to be an "active, working rector", pursuing issues including mental health, rent levels and the rights of EU students, and holding regular surgeries for students. He takes up office on 31 March.

He also contested the post in 2008, when the then Liberal Democrat MP Charles Kennedy won.

Describing his victory as a "tremendous result", Mr Anwar said it "encompasses the fact that students at Glasgow University do care. They've sent a message against hatred and bigotry. They want their voices to be heard – they've fought for far too long and have been ignored".