The business leader, archbishop and journalist in honorary class of 2010

THE Archbishop of York John Sentamu, Marks & Spencer’s executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose and television journalist John Simpson are all to receive honorary degrees from Leeds University this year.

All three men will receive an honorary doctorate of laws from the university during its graduation ceremonies on July 15 and 16.

Sir Stuart Rose is the man credited with transforming Marks & Spencer – which started in Kirkgate Market in Leeds in the 1880s – into a modern, successful chain of stores.

Archbishop Sentamu, who took up his post in York in 2005 has previously been honoured by the University of the West Indies and Teesside University.

Leeds University is also awarding an honorary degree to the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ingrid Roscoe, who studied for a degree and PhD and lectured at the institution. She became the first female Lord Lieutenant in the North of England in 2004.

Former Leeds University Union chief executive Lesley Dixon, will also receive an honorary doctorate of laws. Her time at the university culminated with the Leeds Union being named student union of the year in 2009.

Angel Gurra and Elaine Oran complete this year’s line-up.

Mr Gurra is secretary- general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) while Dr Oran will receive an honorary doctorate of sciences for her work as a senior scientist at the American Naval Research Laboratory.