Former MP and business leader to receive honorary degrees at University of Derby Buxton graduations

Former MP for Mid Derbyshire, Pauline Latham OBE will receive an Honorary Degree at awards ceremonies in Buxton later this month.

Each year, notable people with a strong connection to the University of Derby, the city, or the county are nominated to receive an Honorary Degree at the Graduation Award Ceremonies. 

This year, Ms Latham, whose former seat covers Borrowash, Dale Abbey, Little Eaton, Ockbrook, Stanley and West Hallam, will be recognised in front of graduates and guests who attend the ceremony, which will take place on Friday 27th June 2025, at the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus. 

Pauline Latham OBE first became a Derbyshire Councillor in 1987 and was elected the first MP for Mid Derbyshire in 2010, a role she held for 14 years before stepping down in 2024. 

Through her role on the House of Commons’ International Development Select Committee, Pauline campaigned for meaningful change in the Aid sector to address issues of sexual abuse and exploitation. In 2022, her Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act was passed into law, protecting children from arranged child marriages. 

In 2018, Pauline lost a son to aortic dissection at the age of 44. As a trustee of The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, she became an advocate and is highly respected in the medical field for her campaigning work.   

The University wishes to recognise Pauline’s outstanding achievements in public service, and her commitment to local politics, the University, and the region.  

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: “Pauline’s work has had a significant impact regionally and nationally. For many years, she has been a dedicated advocate for the University, and we are deeply grateful for her ongoing support. It will be our pleasure to present Pauline with an Honorary Degree, and we look forward to acknowledging her achievements alongside our graduates at the ceremony.” 

Find out more about the Buxton Award Ceremonies.