Speaking in front of graduates from the University’s Business School and the University’s partner institution Majan College, Oman, Mr Willetts accepted his award stating it was an “honour” to be receiving an Honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to UK higher education.

“This graduation ceremony marks two things. One is to celebrate your achievements in graduating, the second is celebrating the role of the University, the experience you have gained and what the University does to change lives especially for young people who maybe the first in their family to be given the opportunity to attend university,” said Mr Willetts who stepped down from his role – held since 2010 – in the House of Commons in the summer.

“I’d like to thank the University for giving me this award, but more importantly I’d like to thank them for the opportunity it provides for thousands of young people,” added Mr Willetts, who opened the University’s Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre in 2013.

Mr Willetts was the Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills when the Ministerial title was held by Bill Rammell, who is now the Vice Chancellor at the University.

And Mr Rammell reserved some kind words for his former counterpart at the ceremony for whom he said it was a “special privilege” to present the honorary award to.

“Although we sat on opposite sides of the House, and deliberated over matters as Vice Chancellor and Minister, I am a huge admirer of David’s contribution to government; to the expansion of higher education in this country; and of the intellectual energy and ingenuity that marks his contributions within the public square of debate and discourse. David is also someone who manifestly embodies all that is good in terms of public service.”

Summing up David Willetts’ four years in the role of Minister for Universities and Skills, Mr Rammell added: “It’s fair to say it wasn’t a quiet four years. But here we are now, with more undergraduates in England than ever before, and more from non-traditional backgrounds, a further emphasis on information for students and prospective students, and a more diverse sector.”