Peerage for Exeter Chancellor Sir Michael Barber

Sir Michael Barber, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, will join the House of Lords.

An expert in government policy, Sir Michael is among 34 political peerages approved by the King. 

Sir Michael is one of 25 new peers nominated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in his role as leader of the Labour Party, alongside five Liberal Democrats, three Conservatives and one crossbench peer.

The official citation describes Sir Michael as a “globally recognised expert in government effectiveness and public service reform”.

Sir Michael said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a voice in Parliament, both for the South West region and for the kind of world-class higher education that the University of Exeter offers.”

Sir Michael founded the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in 2001, leading it until 2005. In 2013, he founded Delivery Associates, advising governments worldwide on policy implementation. From 2017 to 2021, he was the founding Chair of the Office for Students, England’s higher education regulator.

He has advised the UK Chancellor (2022-24) on skills and the future economy, and currently serves as adviser to the Prime Minister on effective delivery and as the Foreign Secretary’s Envoy on governance in the Palestinian Authority.

Professor Lisa Roberts, the University of Exeter’s President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I’m thrilled to see Sir Michael appointed as a peer. Sir Michael is a world-leading authority in education and public health. 

“Since he joined us at Exeter, he’s had a significant impact on our mission to create a greener, healthier, fairer society. He’s also a huge advocate and ambassador for the South West, and I know he’ll be a force for good in the House of Lords, and will work incredibly hard to champion social mobility.”

Sir Michael will take up his seat in the House of Lords in the new year.