Originally published on January 13th, 2009

The race is on for the position of University rector, as prestigious Scottish journalist Iain Macwhirter announced his intention to run for the role.

He will take on Lothians MSP George Foulkes for the prestigious role in forthcoming elections to determine which of the two men will chair the University Court.

Macwhirter’s announcement comes as the University’s Conservatives revealed they would not be running a candidate in the February elections. With nominations closed on Monday, the contest will be between the two Edinburgh graduates.

Macwhirter told Student that he would be a ‘working’ rector who would promote student and staff interests in the court and beyond, saying: "I live in the Pleasance and will be ready to put the hours in."

"I’m not a politician beholden to any party line, but in my writing I have argued vigorously against top-up fees, the war in Iraq, and identity cards. The rectorship is too important to be part of the honours system, an award for long service to the establishment, or part of celebrity culture."

The Sunday Herald political columnist also said he would push to make on-campus catering and accommodation more affordable, as well as improving the library opening hours.

On university funding, he said he would work with staff unions and EUSA to ensure the Scottish Government keeps universities adequately funded, continuing the campaign of current rector Mark Ballard.

Perhaps most notably, Macwhirter aims to start a broader campaign for a minimum income guarantee of £7,000 for every undergraduate, overhauling the current system of student support. He said: "Students are in the front line of the credit crunch and the banks are turning nasty, so we need to address the issue of student poverty now"

After having left the Labour Party at university Macwhirter is claiming to be above party politics, though he has the backing of the branch of the Green Party at the University, who will be doing much of his campaigning.

Macwhirter has also written for the New Statesman and the Guardian, and is regarded by many as a leading authority on Scottish politics.

Macwhirter has disagreed over issues with George Foulkes in the past, including the creation of a ‘Scottish Six’ news broadcast which Foulkes felt would be too parochial.

Foulkes told Student: "I know Iain well personally and I respect his work as a journalist. I’m pleased that there’s going to be a contest and look forward to a lively campaign."

"I’ll be concentrating on the issues that really matter to students and staff at the university including the challenges facing students graduating in an extremely tough economic climate this year."

"Edinburgh doesn’t just need a local, working rector. More than ever, it needs a rector that can really wield some influence in the corridors of power."