The President's Address Mr Nigel Siesage JP MA

Lecture outline

The mid-nineteenth century is commonly regarded as an age of reform, not least in electoral practice and the extension of voting rights - in contrast to the corruption of the eighteenth century famously depicted in Hogarth's cartoons. Drawing on the literature and art of the period, as well as historical sources, the lecture will examine the extent to which electoral reform actually changed electoral practice and the various forces influencing electors; and will present some of the more colourful aspects and characters involved in Victorian electioneering.

Biographical note

Nigel came to Leicester for a temporary post organising the University of Leicester's jubilee programme in 1981-82 - and he remains a member of the University more than 40 years later.

Born in London, he was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, and then at Lincoln College Oxford, where he read Modern History. He joined the civil service fast stream on graduation, but soon returned to Oxford to carry out research.

After leaving Oxford for a second time following a period of ill health, he took the post at Leicester, and this initial appointment was soon made permanent. He then held several posts, first in planning and governance, and then as the University's first Director of External Relations. He was instrumental, with academic colleagues, in developing the proposal for the creation of the National Space Centre in Leicester, successfully advocating its adoption by the Millennium Commission. He has since served as a Trustee of the organisation for a number of years.

From 2002 he was head of the administration of the University's Medical School and related academic departments. From its inception, he was closely involved in the running of the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), which is now used in admissions by all the UK's medical schools. He served as the consortium's chairman for nine years, leading its expansion to many overseas institutions, particularly in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

He retired from the University in 2019 but retains an honorary position as a University Fellow and one of the University's Public Orators. He has been a Justice of the Peace since 1997. He is a member of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalen, Knighton, and has edited the Lit and Phil's Transactions since 2020.

Nigel is married to Susan, a retired headteacher, who is also a member of the Society's Council. They have two children.

Attending the lecture

The lecture is open both to members of the Society and to guests.

The lecture will take place in Hansom Hall - how to find Hansom Hall.

The lecture will also be streamed on Zoom. A recording of the lecture may be available to members only.