All the president men

Last week, Universities UK trumpeted the appointment of Drummond Bone, vice-chancellor of Liverpool University, as its new president. But the initial press release - later hurriedly corrected - also accidentally dropped a huge hint about who came second in the race to replace president Ivor Crewe.

After the usual congratulations and glowing quotes about Professor Bone, the release ended: "Please note Dr Geoffrey Copland will not be giving interviews at this time as he will not be taking up post until 1 August 2005. Interviews will take place nearer the time of appointment."

It seems that anyone wishing to interview Dr Copland, vice-chancellor of Westminster, about why he didn't get the plum UUK position will have to wait.