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Perish the sexist thought that Alexandra Burslem, soon to become Britain's seventh female university vice chancellor, will spend an overly long amount of time worrying about the dress-code for her new post.

But the current Manchester Metropolitan deputy vice-chancellor could neglect wardrobe worries at her peril.

Christine King, vice chancellor of Staffordshire University, recalls choosing a smart black-and-white number for a conference filled with her all-male peers.

Never again, after the bewildered chaps greeted her with requests for large gin and tonics all round.