Sir David Butler

New College is very sad to learn of the death of Old Member Sir David Butler at the age of 98. 

David studied PPE here at New College (1943) and became widely known as the father of psephology - the study of election science. He also developed the concept of swing - the percentage shift between parties in elections, introducing the 'Swingometer' to the BBC election broadcast. 

'Psephology all really began at New College in 1945'

Michael Crick, Old Member, friend and biographer of Sir David Butler

Sir David remained a regular visitor to the College until relatively recently. 

Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends. 

The New College flag flying at half mast over the Robinson Tower

Find out more about Sir David Butler and his legacy in this piece in The Guardian.