Cambridge Chancellor candidate Gina Miller has criticised fellow candidate Lord Chris Smith, claiming a “serious breach” of electoral guidelines.

The guidelines in question regard the use of the University’s insignia which were featured in promotional campaign materials posted by ‘Cantabs for Chris’: a LinkedIn account which Smith has since declared he has “no direct control” over.

According to the University’s guidelines, the Cambridge brand – which includes the Cambridge name and logo – may not be used to imply University endorsement of or responsibility for an external organisation, business, product, activity, event, or idea. The rule exists to maintain commitments to impartiality.

Miller spoke on these guidelines, stating that she cares “deeply about integrity and fairness at our great institutions,” adding that the University of Cambridge “deserves absolute transparency and respect from those who seek to represent it, especially in the role of Chancellor”.

She told Varsity: “I am shocked and concerned by the reported use of the University’s trademarked logo in Lord Smith’s campaign materials. This is not a minor oversight. It is a serious breach that raises urgent questions about legality, ethics and fairness. Misusing the University’s insignia risks misleading voters into believing it is an official endorsement. That is wholly inappropriate”.

Miller went on to state that she wishes for the University to “act swiftly to investigate this matter and ensure the highest standards are upheld prior to voting”.

Online voting for the election will begin today (09/07), and is set to close on the 18th of July, while in-person voting will take place in the Senate House building on the 12th and 16th of July. The successful candidate will hold the position for ten years.

When asked about the allegations, Lord Chris Smith told Varsity that he was “very surprised” that Miller had not raised the issue with him first.

The Pembroke Master went on to explain that he was approached by another candidate earlier this week with the same concerns, and subsequently asked ‘Cantabs for Chris’ to “remove the University crest from their logo immediately”.

The former Cabinet Minister said: “I take the use of the University crest very seriously, and whilst I’m sure it was an inadvertent error on their part rather than an intentional act, I was very keen to ensure that it was removed at once. This has now happened.”

The LinkedIn account posted about the change on Monday (07/07), stating: “Like other alumni groups online and out of an abundance of pride in our university, the previous one used parts of its branding and we didn’t really think that through so we’ve now updated it”.

In an email seen by Varsity, Director of Governance and Compliance Dr Regina Sachers confirmed that the University's communications team reached out to Smith's campaign team to ask for the removal of the brand following Miller's complaint.

The University of Cambridge was contacted for comment.