In a surprising turn of events, former Conservative Party leader William Hague is set to become the new chancellor of the University of Oxford, recently announced by the institution. Hague, who is 63 years old, secured his position over Elish Angiolini, who would have made history as the first woman to hold the title. This election came as a result of an online vote that engaged approximately 25,000 alumni and staff from the prestigious university.
William Hague Elected New Chancellor of Oxford University
William Hague Elected New Chancellor of Oxford University
Former Conservative Party leader William Hague will serve as chancellor, succeeding Elish Angiolini in a closely contested vote among alumni.
Hague’s tenure is set to begin early next year, marking a decade during which he will take on the role as the 160th chancellor. Although the position is primarily ceremonial, it includes significant responsibilities in advocacy and fundraising for the university. Expressing his sentiment about the appointment, Hague described it as “the greatest honor of my life” and emphasized the importance of Oxford’s strategies in shaping the future of the U.K.
The election process itself was quite lively, with Hague emerging from a field of 38 candidates that showcased a range of backgrounds, including a zumba instructor and an “anti-woke” Anglican clergyman. Ultimately, in the final round of voting, Hague prevailed with 12,609 votes against Angiolini's 11,006, narrowing the contest that many had anticipated would potentially lead to Oxford’s first female chancellor after nearly 800 years.
The election process itself was quite lively, with Hague emerging from a field of 38 candidates that showcased a range of backgrounds, including a zumba instructor and an “anti-woke” Anglican clergyman. Ultimately, in the final round of voting, Hague prevailed with 12,609 votes against Angiolini's 11,006, narrowing the contest that many had anticipated would potentially lead to Oxford’s first female chancellor after nearly 800 years.
