Sir Brian Leveson, who led the public enquiry into press standards following the phone-hacking scandal, has become Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University.

The Liverpool-born judge, a Lord Justice of Appeal, has succeeded the rock guitarist Brian May, who has held the post since 2008.

Cherie Booth, the wife of former prime minister Tony Blair, has also held the position.

Sir Brian, 63, whose formal duties begin at the end of March and will include presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for the university, said: “It is with enormous pride and no small measure of humility that I accept the role of chancellor.

"LJMU is a university with a long and distinguished history and as a son of the City of Liverpool I have long been aware of the transformational impact of the university.”

LJMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill, said Sir Brian’s “unparalleled professional experience and personal integrity” would be of great benefit.