Labour students campaign for Mandelson as Oxford chancellor

A campaign led by Labour students at Oxford University is underway to prevent William Hague from becoming the next chancellor, aiming to secure the first Labour member in the prestigious role. The current chancellor, Chris Patten, a former Conservative chairman, is set to retire after two decades, prompting a competitive race for his successor. Peter Mandelson, a Labour peer and former business secretary, is expected to be Hague's main rival. In a strategic move, Labour students are leveraging the new online voting system that allows over 250,000 Oxford graduates and staff to participate in the election. Over the past two weeks, they have actively engaged with alumni through social media and direct outreach, encouraging them to register and vote. The campaign has also garnered support from Labour MPs who are alumni of the university, amplifying their efforts to mobilize voters. Historically, the chancellorship has been dominated by Conservative figures, with the last Labour member, Roy Jenkins, having taken the role after leaving the party for the SDP. Tom Taborn, co-chair of the Oxford University Labour Club, emphasized the significance of this election, suggesting it could mark a turning point for the university's leadership. While the chancellor's role is largely ceremonial, Labour students believe that a Labour chancellor could advocate for higher education and address pressing issues such as funding shortages faced by universities. With many institutions reporting financial difficulties, the election outcome could have broader implications for the future of higher education in the UK.