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Past Council Chair Joe Docherty introduced to House of Lords
Joe Docherty, who served as Chair of our governing University Council until summer 2025, has been made a life peer.
About peers
Baron Docherty of Milngavie, of Alexandria in the County of Dunbartonshire, has joined the House of Lords, the UK Parliament’s second chamber, which is responsible for examining proposed legislation, scrutinising government action, and investigating public policy.
He is one of 34 new life peers announced by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday 10 December. He was formally introduced to the House of Lords on Monday 12 January 2026.
About Joe Docherty
Lord Docherty served as a member of our governing University Council for 16 years, including seven as Chair.
He is an experienced non-executive director and chief executive. He is Chair of the Northern Powergrid Foundation and a Trustee of the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
Congratulations to Richard Walker OBE
Also made a life peer is Richard Walker OBE, Founder and Chairman of Bywater and Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods. Mr Walker studied Geography at Durham, graduating in 2001.
Find out more
- See the full announcement on the UK Government website.
- Read Joe Docherty’s reflections on his time as Chair of University Council (internal link only).
- Read more about our alumni in the UK Parliament.