William Hague, the former leader of Britain's Conservative Party, has been elected as the new chancellor of Oxford University, narrowly defeating Elish Angiolini in a closely watched vote among alumni and staff. Hague's term will start early next year and will make him the 160th chancellor in the university's history.
William Hague Elected New Chancellor of Oxford University
William Hague Elected New Chancellor of Oxford University
Former Conservative Party leader is set to begin a pivotal 10-year term at the prestigious institution.
On November 27, 2024, Oxford University revealed the election results, confirming Hague's victory with 12,609 votes against Angiolini's 11,006. This election held special significance as Angiolini, if elected, would have marked the first time a woman held the chancellorship in the university's nearly 800-year history.
An online voting process saw participation from around 25,000 alumni and staff members, showcasing strong engagement within the Oxford community. Hague, at 63 years old, remarked on the significance of his new position, stating that the upcoming decade will be critical for success in the U.K. and describing the honor of being elected as the greatest of his life.
The chancellorship includes primarily ceremonial responsibilities along with significant roles in advocacy and fundraising for the university. The election process itself was marked by a variety of candidacies. Among the more colorful contenders were a zumba teacher and an outspoken Anglican clergyman, showcasing a broad range of interests and backgrounds.
In the initial vote, five candidates emerged from a pool of 38, with two being women, demonstrating a potential shift towards diversity in the role. However, as the contest concluded, it ultimately pitted the experienced Hague against the accomplished Angiolini, who has previously led a public inquiry into a tragic case involving violence against women.
As Hague prepares for his term, his leadership is expected to influence the direction of Oxford University during a transformative period for higher education in the U.K.
An online voting process saw participation from around 25,000 alumni and staff members, showcasing strong engagement within the Oxford community. Hague, at 63 years old, remarked on the significance of his new position, stating that the upcoming decade will be critical for success in the U.K. and describing the honor of being elected as the greatest of his life.
The chancellorship includes primarily ceremonial responsibilities along with significant roles in advocacy and fundraising for the university. The election process itself was marked by a variety of candidacies. Among the more colorful contenders were a zumba teacher and an outspoken Anglican clergyman, showcasing a broad range of interests and backgrounds.
In the initial vote, five candidates emerged from a pool of 38, with two being women, demonstrating a potential shift towards diversity in the role. However, as the contest concluded, it ultimately pitted the experienced Hague against the accomplished Angiolini, who has previously led a public inquiry into a tragic case involving violence against women.
As Hague prepares for his term, his leadership is expected to influence the direction of Oxford University during a transformative period for higher education in the U.K.
