THE chairman of NHS England is to become the new chancellor of the University of York.

He will be taking over from the chairman of the FA – and former director-general of the BBC – Greg Dyke, who has held the office since 2004.

The chancellor is the formal head of the university, whose official duties are to confer degrees and to chair the university's court.

He will be installed by the York's vice-chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, at a ceremony in Central Hall next year.

Sir Malcolm said: "I am honoured to become chancellor of this great university which has always represented a set of unimpeachable values.

“It has a passionate belief in social justice, freedom of speech, a respect for the individual and, above all, a commitment to the highest academic standards.”

Professor Lamberts, the university’s chief executive officer, said: “As a hugely influential figure in higher education and recognising his broader contribution to public life, Sir Malcolm will enrich the life of the University and represent us with distinction both in the UK and internationally.”