Oxford University elects first female poetry professor
AFP
LONDON- Ruth Padel became the first ever woman Professor of Poetry at Oxford University after beating an Indian poet in an election Saturday which ended an often bitter contest.
Padel, a distant relative of Charles Darwin, was elected with 297 votes cast by graduates and academic staff of the prestigious university.
Nobel Prize-winning poet Derek Walcott pulled out of the race on Tuesday, reportedly amid allegations of sexual harassment dating back to the early 1980s.
The Saint Lucia-born Walcott told a British newspaper he did not want to be part of the race "if it has degenerated into a low and degrading attempt at character assassination."
Padel said she felt "honoured" and "humbled" to accept the position.
"My backers based their support for me on what they felt I could offer poetry and students. Now I shall do my best to fulfil their trust," she said.
The prestigious academic post dates back to 1708 and was previously held by WH Auden and Seamus Heaney.
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