Lord William Hague has officially been elected as the new Chancellor of the University of Oxford, marking his return to the academic institution where he completed his studies over four decades ago. The announcement, made on November 27, 2024, sees Hague become the 160th individual to hold this prestigious title since the role was established eight centuries ago.
Securing the position is no small feat, and Hague triumphed over notable rivals, including former Labour cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson, who had aspirations to hold both the chancellorship and potentially the UK ambassadorship to the United States concurrently. During the election process, they engaged in discussions about the nature and responsibilities of the chancellor’s role, with Hague arguing against the perception of it being merely ceremonial.
The election, conducted via online voting, was open to approximately 25,000 members of Oxford's alumni and staff. Hague, who graduated from Magdalen College, has deep ties to Oxford. He said, "I regard being elected as the Chancellor of our university as the greatest honour of my life." He is set to begin his ten-year term early next year, succeeding Lord Chris Patten, who has served since 2003.
Hague’s political career spans decades; he was once the youngest leader of the Conservative Party from 1997 to 2001 and served as Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2014. His return as Chancellor is seen not only as a personal achievement but also as pivotal for the university and the UK as he highlighted, stating, "What happens at Oxford in the next decade is critically important to the success of the UK.” He emphasized his commitment to serving the university he loves.
His competitors included Lady Elish Angiolini, who represented the modern push for diversity and was poised to become Oxford's first female chancellor. Angiolini previously led high-profile inquiries, including one related to the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, which has drawn attention to issues of gender safety and justice within the UK.
The election process has drawn attention for its transparency and the inclusion of voters who are both current staff and alumni. Hague topped the ballot at every stage of the election, including the final round, where he emerged victorious with 12,609 votes against Angiolini's 11,006, reflecting considerable support for his leadership.
Upon his election, Hague acknowledged the expertise and commitment of the other candidates, stating, "I pay tribute to the other candidates, for their commitment to the future of Oxford." His vision aligns with Oxford's significant role as one of the world's elite educational establishments, especially against the backdrop of modern societal challenges and the anticipated need for strong leadership.
Hague's obligations as Chancellor will encompass presiding over significant ceremonial events, acting as Oxford’s ambassador, and engaging through public speaking, fundraising efforts, and advisory work on behalf of the university. The university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, remarked on Hague's dedication, describing him as "a great friend to Oxford" and expressing confidence he will represent the institution with dignity and enthusiasm.
Hague’s approach to the role also includes addressing pressing issues such as “cancel culture” on campuses, where he believes the ability to confront differing opinions and maintain open debates is fundamental for personal growth and education. He voiced concerns about the rise of echo chambers among students and stressed the importance of experiencing various viewpoints, especially from acclaimed literature such as Shakespeare's works, which sometimes come with controversial themes.
Reflecting on his own leadership experiences, Hague pointed out the necessity for active engagement within the roles of leadership, not only ceremonially but actively participating within the university environment. He stated, "It is important to be accessible and to be there [in Oxford]. You need to be active and energetic. Being merely ceremonial is only one part of the job, and it requires physical presence, especially for fundraising and showcasing Oxford's brilliance.", showing his foresight for the contemporary challenges university leadership faces.
Hague’s appointment is hailed as significant, particularly as he may reinforce Oxford’s commitment to not only being academic leaders but also shaping future political and social narratives. His belief encapsulates the idea of Oxford's enduring influence, stating, “What happens at Oxford is linked to the broader narrative of the UK, and how the next generation will engage with the challenges they will face.”
With his inauguration scheduled for the new year, Lord Hague is poised to step fully onto the stage of university leadership, embodying both the tradition of Oxford and the progressive engagement necessary for its future. The anticipation surrounding his leadership will surely lead to exciting developments within the university as it navigates the next decade.
