Former Derbyshire MP to be honoured by university

An ex-Derbyshire MP and a former company chief executive will be among those honoured by the University of Derby this week.

Each year, notable people with a strong connection to the University of Derby, the city, or the county are nominated to receive an honorary degree at its Graduation Award Ceremonies.

Former MP for Mid Derbyshire Pauline Latham OBE and founder and former chief executive of EMB Group, Stephen Smith, will each receive an Honorary Degree at awards ceremonies in Buxton on Friday.

Pauline Latham OBE first became a Derbyshire councillor in 1987 and was elected the first MP for Mid Derbyshire in 2010, a role she held for 14 years before stepping down in 2024.

Through her role on the House of Commons’ International Development Select Committee, Pauline campaigned for meaningful change in the Aid sector to address issues of sexual abuse and exploitation.

In 2022, her Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act was passed into law, protecting children from arranged child marriages.

In 2018, Pauline lost a son to aortic dissection at the age of 44. As a trustee of The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, she became an advocate and is highly respected in the medical field for her campaigning work.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, said: “Pauline’s work has had a significant impact regionally and nationally.

“For many years, she has been a dedicated advocate for the university, and we are deeply grateful for her ongoing support.

“It will be our pleasure to present Pauline with an Honorary Degree, and we look forward to acknowledging her achievements alongside our graduates at the ceremony.”

Also due to receive an honorary degree is Stephen Smith, renowned among the region as a strategic advisor, business leader, and former chair of the University of Derby’s Governing Council.

As founder and former chief executive of EMB Group, a leading economic development business services and accreditation company, Stephen led significant change in the East Midlands, contributing to the region’s economic prosperity for 15 years.

He continues his involvement with the university as a board member of its Business School Council, helping oversee the development of the Cavendish Building, which will be the new home of Derby Business School in the heart of the city later this year.