The University of Bolton has appointed The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder, Lord Justice of Appeal, PC DL as its next Chancellor.

Sir Ernest Ryder TD DL QC FRSA succeeds The Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL DPhil LLD whose three year term of office as Chancellor began in 2010 when she was appointed first Chancellor of the University of Bolton.

One of the UK’s leading judges, Sir Ernest opened the University’s new moot Law Court last year. At that event he lectured on The Modernisation of Family Justice, which as a senior High Court Judge, he has been instrumental in reshaping in recent times.

Sir Ernest was born, raised locally as well as educated at Bolton School and he graduated from the University of Cambridge. He has been judge of the High Court of Justice (Family Division) since 2004, the Presiding Judge Northern Circuit since 2009, is the senior Judge in England tasked with the modernisation of family justice and was recently elevated to the Court of Appeal being appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal.

Said the University of Bolton’s Vice Chancellor, Dr George Holmes: ‘Sir Ernest’s appointment is a significant step for the University. His academic rigour, his eminent standing in a subject area which is central to the University’s future growth and his connection to us – and our town – make him the natural successor to Lady Morris. We are very pleased he has accepted our invitation to be the next Chancellor of the University of Bolton.

‘We will be forever indebted to Lady Morris for her heartfelt support and the conviction with which she has carried out her duties.’

The date on which The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder assumes responsibility is expected to be 1 January 2014.