Former LibDem leader Charles Kennedy was at Glasgow University yesterday to campaign for its rectorship.

Former LibDem leader Charles Kennedy was at Glasgow University yesterday to campaign for its rectorship.

He is among four nominees vying to succeed Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu.

Speaking at Glasgow University Union, where he was a president during his studies in the 1980s, Mr Kennedy described the reception by students more than 25 years on as "extremely positive".

"Because the current rector hasn't been able to be here, there is a feeling on campus that, regardless of who emerges winner, students want someone who is going to be more of a working rector," he said.

Upon his release from prison in 2004, the current rector was banned from leaving the country and talking to foreigners without approval, because Israeli authorities claimed he could still divulge classified information. He was arrested at one stage a year later, three days after speaking to The Herald in Jerusalem.

Others looking to succeed Mr Vanunu include lawyer Aamer Anwar, who specialises in human rights cases, writer and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli, and Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow.

Students elect the rector for three years. The role is principally that of representative for student issues, although participation in events is voluntary.

Mr Kennedy, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said he had been approached several times before, but had had other commitments. "I never felt able to say yes', particularly when I was party leader," he said. "It's a hands-on job, like being constituency MP for the campus."

The politician, who received an honorary degree from the institution in 2001, added: "Being able to use the platform in the House of Commons when it comes to tertiary education debates on a UK basis will hopefully prove useful."

Mr Kennedy said he had been endorsed as the preferred candidate by the two unions - the GUU and Queen Margaret - as well as its Sports Association.

Votes will be cast on February 26 and 27, with the new rector installed on April 10.