Oxford University to elect new chancellor next month
- Around 250,000 university staff and alumni will vote in the upcoming election for a new chancellor.
- Notable candidates include William Hague, Imran Khan, Lord Mandelson, and Lady Elish Angiolini, with Angiolini potentially becoming the first woman in the role.
- The election reflects ongoing discussions about the role of universities in society and the influence of various ideologies.
Oxford University is set to elect a new chancellor next month, following the retirement announcement of the current chancellor, Lord Chris Patten. Approximately 250,000 staff and alumni will participate in the voting process. The role, while largely ceremonial and unpaid, is highly regarded in British public life, with notable past chancellors including Oliver Cromwell and the Duke of Wellington. Among the 30 candidates are former Conservative leader William Hague and imprisoned ex-Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. Hague, who studied at Oxford, expressed his commitment to the university, while Khan is running for the position from prison. Labour figure Lord Mandelson, who also studied at Oxford, has announced his candidacy, emphasizing his passion for universities. Lady Elish Angiolini, a distinguished lawyer and current Pro Vice Chancellor of Oxford, is also in the running. If elected, she would be the first woman to hold the chancellorship. Anglican clergyman Matthew Firth is presenting himself as the 'anti-establishment' candidate, advocating against what he perceives as 'woke ideology' in academia. The full list of candidates will be revealed in early October, with the new chancellor expected to be announced the following week. The chancellor's responsibilities include chairing the university committee, appointing the vice-chancellor, and engaging in fundraising and advocacy efforts.