Sir John Benger elected 40th Master of St Catharine’s
Wednesday 8 February 2023
Alumnus Sir John Benger (1979, English) has been elected as the next Master of St Catharine’s, following a vote by the Official and Professorial Fellows of the College. When his term of office starts on 1 October 2023, Sir John will become the 40th Master of the College since it was founded in 1473.
Sir John joined the House of Commons Service in 1986, after completing his undergraduate studies at St Catharine’s and a doctorate at Worcester College, Oxford. Since 2019, he has been the 51st Clerk of the House of Commons, the chief adviser to the House on matters of parliamentary procedure, privilege and broader constitutional issues. In the 2023 New Year Honours list he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath for services to Parliament. According to convention, the Speaker formally announced Sir John’s new role in the Chamber of the House of Commons earlier today.
Sir John said, “As a proud alumnus, I am excited to return to St Catharine’s and delighted to have been chosen to serve such a special community. Listening to the students, staff and Fellows whom I have been fortunate to meet so far, it is obvious that St Catharine’s is thriving and eager to build on its successes – testament to the hard work of all parts of the College community, including Professor Sir Mark Welland (2016) as the current Master. I look forward to working with everyone at St Catharine’s to write another successful chapter in the College’s history.”
As set out in the College’s statutes, the Master of St Catharine’s presides “over the College as a place of education, religion, learning and research”. This includes exercising a general superintendence and control over the affairs of the College, enforcing the observance of the statutes and ordinances, presiding at College Meetings and serving on College committees, “and in all matters not provided for by the Statutes and Ordinances to make provision for the good government, administration, and discipline of the College.”
Professor Sir Mark Welland is due to step down as Master when his seven-year term of office ends on 30 September 2023. Out of respect to Sir Mark’s ongoing service to the College, Sir John will not be available for interviews about his election until closer to this date, as he remains focused on his duties to the House of Commons.
Sir John Benger (credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor)
