William Hague, former leader of the Conservative Party and former foreign secretary, has been elected as the 160th chancellor of Oxford University. Announced on November 27, 2024, the result marks a significant moment both for the esteemed university and the veteran politician, who will serve a 10-year term in this largely ceremonial position.
Hague, an Oxford graduate from Magdalen College in 1982, triumphed after four rounds of voting, securing 12,609 votes. His closest rival, Lady Elish Angiolini, the outgoing principal of St Hugh’s College and former Lord Advocate of Scotland, received 11,006 votes. Angiolini had previously gained attention for leading the inquiry into the tragic murder of marketing executive Sarah Everard.
The election, which was conducted online for the first time, began with 38 candidates vying for the prestigious role. Hague’s victory marks a setback for those hoping to see Oxford’s first female chancellor. Despite a closely contested race, Hague’s deep ties to the university, including his leadership as president of the Oxford Union during his student years, played a significant role in his success.
In a statement after the result, Hague expressed his immense gratitude, calling his election “the greatest honour of my life.” He emphasized that the next decade will be pivotal for both Oxford and the future of the United Kingdom. “What happens at Oxford in the next decade is going to be of enormous importance to our country,” he said.
Hague is scheduled to be inaugurated early next year, formally succeeding Chris Patten, the former British politician and last British governor of Hong Kong, who has held the role since 2003. Patten’s retirement earlier this year has paved the way for Hague’s appointment.
Although the chancellorship is a ceremonial position, it carries significant responsibilities, including representing the university at national and international events and overseeing the election of the vice-chancellor. Hague has already expressed his intention to continue building on the legacy of his predecessors, particularly focusing on issues like higher education funding.
Throughout his campaign, Hague stressed the importance of free speech and open debate, which he believes are crucial for the university’s future. “Oxford should be a place of open debate – as it was for me in the Union – based on learning from the arguments of others,” he said, indicating his commitment to preserving Oxford’s reputation as a leading institution for academic freedom.
Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey welcomed Hague’s election, praising his longstanding dedication to the university. “William is someone who I know will serve and represent this magnificent institution with dignity and vigour,” she said, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Oxford through the challenges of the coming decade.
Hague’s election adds a new chapter to Oxford University’s rich history, which spans over 800 years. He follows in the footsteps of several prominent leaders, including former British prime ministers Oliver Cromwell and Harold Macmillan, who previously held the chancellor’s post.
As Hague begins his term, all eyes will be on him, particularly as the landscape of higher education in the UK continues to evolve. His election has already sparked significant interest in the future direction of Oxford University.
Interestingly, earlier this year, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite being incarcerated, also applied for the role of Oxford’s chancellor. However, his bid was unsuccessful, and his name did not make the final shortlist of candidates.
