Lord David Sainsbury has won the elections to becoming the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

Lord David Sainsbury has become the next chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

The former chairman of the supermarket group won a landslide victory in a widely-publicised four-way battle - the first such encounter in the university’s 800 year history.

He polled 2,893 votes with contenders actor Brian Blessed getting 1,389. Michael Mansfield QC 964 and owner of Al Amin store in Mill Road, Cambridge, Abdul Arain, polling 312.

Lord Sainsbury said: “I am pleased and honoured to have been elected as the next Chancellor of Cambridge University and would like to thank all those who have supported me and the other candidates who have made this such a friendly election.

“I am particularly pleased that the election did not turn into a battle between the arts and humanities and science or between political parties and I look forward to championing the university in its entirety at home and abroad in the years ahead.”

The peer will take up the post of chancellor with immediate effect.

Mr Arain said he will now turn his attention to fighting plans for a new Sainsbury’s store in Mill Road. A special meeting will be held at Guildhall on Tuesday as the supermarket hopes to move in opposite Al Amin.

“The next step is to see what the planning officer recommends then gauge what the next step will be,” he said.

“Between now and the meeting we need to galvanise support.”

Commenting on the election result, he said: “I have always said there were four candidates who brought different things to the table and they all put the university’s best interests at heart.

“I wish Lord Sainsbury all the best and I am sure he will be a great chancellor.”