Oxford, UK, November 27, 2024-Former British Foreign Secretary and member of the House of Lords, William Hague, has been elected as the new chancellor of the prestigious University of Oxford. Hague is an alumnus of Oxford, graduating in 1982. He will be replacing Chris Patten, who retired in February 2024.
Controversy Surrounding Election Result
Hague won in a closely contested election, taking 12,609 votes, thus sending out Elish Angiolini, the outgoing principal of St Hugh’s College, who managed 11,006 votes. Angiolini had hoped to be the first female chancellor in the 800-year history of Oxford. The two candidates came head-to-head after managing to surpass 36 other candidates who made it to the final stage of the election.
Angiolini, a senior lawyer and the former Lord Advocate of Scotland, made national headlines in a recent role as head of an inquiry into the murder in 2021 of Sarah Everard by a policeman from London.
William Hague’s Speech
Upon his win, Hague thanked the Oxford community profusely, saying that the role was a “greatest honour.” Hague emphasized the importance of the future of the university, saying, “What happens at Oxford in the next decade is critical to the success of the UK.” He vowed to dedicate himself to serving the university by saying, “My heart and soul are in Oxford.”
Vice-Chancellor’s Statement
Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey welcomed Hague, describing him as a “great friend” to the university and said he will represent Oxford with “dignity and vigour.”
Hague will take office in early 2025, starting a 10-year term of office. This term was established earlier this year when the lifetime appointment rule was changed. The next chancellor election will be held in 2034.
Hague’s Oxford Connection
A former President of the Oxford Union, Hague has been associated with the university for many years. He is also an honorary fellow of Magdalen College, one of the 43 colleges in Oxford and has lectured and run seminars there during his career.
Chris Patten’s Retirement
Hague will replace Chris Patten, the former Conservative politician and last British governor of Hong Kong, who has led the chancellorship for over two decades. He announced his resignation in February 2024.
Rejected Candidacy of Imran Khan
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was also in the running to become Oxford’s next chancellor, but the university confirmed in October 2024 that Khan did not make it onto the shortlist. Oxford’s spokesperson elaborated that Khan, like the rest of the applicants, was evaluated according to the university’s “four exclusion criteria,” which included an assessment of whether the candidates were considered a “fit and proper person” by the UK tax authority. The list excluded Imran Khan’s candidacy.
Response of Imran Khan’s Adviser
Syed Zulfi Bukhari, an adviser on international media for Imran Khan, responded with disappointment over the decision and described it as “extremely unfortunate.”