Former foreign secretary and Conservative Party leader William Hague has been elected as the 160th chancellor of the University of Oxford. Lord Hague, an alumnus of Magdalen College, will
assume the predominantly ceremonial role following his formal inauguration early next year. He succeeds Lord Patten, who has held the position since 2003.
In response to his election, Lord Hague expressed deep gratitude, saying, "I regard being elected as the Chancellor of our university as the greatest honour of my life." Reflecting on the significance of his new role, he added, "What happens at Oxford in the next decade is critical to the success of the UK."
The 10-year role is determined by a vote among the university’s alumni, as well as its current and former staff. Voting took place throughout November, with Lord Hague securing victory after a competitive process. Former cabinet ministers Lord Peter Mandelson and Dominic Grieve were eliminated in earlier rounds, while Baroness Jan Royall exited in the third round. Lord Hague consistently led the ballot and ultimately defeated Lady Elish Angiolini in the final run-off by a margin of 1,600 votes.
Professor Irene Tracey, Oxford's vice chancellor, welcomed Lord Hague’s appointment, stating, "William is a great friend to Oxford and is someone who I know will serve and represent this magnificent institution with dignity and vigour."
Lord Hague’s connection to the university runs deep. During his time as a student, he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and served as president of the Oxford Union, the university's renowned debating society. Following his time at Oxford, Hague quickly rose to prominence in Conservative politics, becoming party leader in 1997 at the age of 36. Although he resigned from that role in 2001 after a significant electoral loss to Tony Blair’s New Labour, he later returned to government as foreign secretary from 2010 to 2014. Hague retired from frontline politics in 2015 after 26 years as an MP.
Lord Hague succeeds Lord Patten, who has been Oxford’s chancellor for the past 20 years. Lord Patten, now 80, is a distinguished figure who served as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997 and as chairman of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1992. Reflecting on his predecessor’s contributions, Hague praised Lord Patten’s long-standing service to the university and vowed to build upon his legacy.
Hague’s election marks a new chapter in the university’s storied 800-year history, with the new chancellor pledging to dedicate himself to serving the institution he holds dear.