William Hague, former foreign secretary and Conservative Party leader, has been elected as the new chancellor of Oxford University, marking the first time the prestigious role has been decided through an online election.
Hague’s victory ends hopes of a woman holding the position for the first time in Oxford’s 800-year history. He defeated two prominent female candidates: Elish Angiolini, the principal of St Hugh’s College and former lord advocate of Scotland, and Jan Royall, principal of Somerville College, who finished second and third respectively.
The election drew participation from only 24,900 of Oxford’s estimated 350,000 eligible graduates and staff, despite the convenience of online ballots replacing the traditional in-person voting system. The process employed preference voting, with Labour peer Peter Mandelson and former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve eliminated in earlier rounds. Mandelson’s campaign, bolstered by high-profile endorsements, secured him a fourth-place finish.
The 63-years-old Hague called his election “the greatest honour of my life,” adding, “What happens at Oxford in the next decade is critical to the success of the UK. I look forward to working closely with the vice-chancellor and her team, along with students and alumni, to build on their excellent work. My heart and soul are in Oxford and I will dedicate myself in the coming years to serving the university I love.”
Oxford’s vice-chancellor, Prof Irene Tracey, expressed her confidence in Hague’s appointment, stating, “William is a great friend to Oxford and is someone who I know will serve and represent this magnificent institution with dignity and vigour.”
As chancellor, Hague will hold the ceremonial title of Oxford’s titular head, succeeding Chris Patten, who served as the last British governor of Hong Kong. The chancellorship, a position held by historical figures such as the Duke of Wellington and Oliver Cromwell, has evolved into a primarily ceremonial role over recent centuries.
Beyond presiding over key ceremonies, the university noted that the chancellor’s duties include advocacy, advisory, and fundraising work. They also chair the selection committee for the vice-chancellor, further cementing their influence on the institution’s future.
Hauge graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics, and economics. His political career began with his election as Conservative MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, in 1989, and he later served as party leader from 1997 to 2001. Hague’s tenure as foreign secretary under David Cameron from 2010 to 2014 further solidified his standing as a statesman.
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