Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord William Hague are both in contention to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford, following Lord Chris Patten's retirement earlier this year. The election will be held online for the first time in the university's history, with over 250,000 graduates and former staff eligible to vote.
Lord Mandelson, a former Labour business secretary and EU trade commissioner, expressed interest in the role, stating: 'I do feel passionately about universities and given I studied at Oxford it's an important place to me.' He is due to step down from his post at Manchester Metropolitan University in January 2025.
Lord Hague, who led the Conservative Party from 1997 to 2001 and served as foreign secretary, is 'seriously considering' standing, according to sources. He has not yet made a final decision. Both men studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford.
The largely ceremonial role is unpaid but considered highly prestigious. The chancellor serves a 10-year term, presiding over ceremonies and undertaking fundraising and advocacy. Previous incumbents include Harold Macmillan and Roy Jenkins.
Former prime ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson have also been linked with the position, but Johnson is not expected to stand, and May has ruled herself out. Professor William Whyte of St John's College said the university needs a chancellor who can 'articulate the interests of the university publicly and speak behind the scenes to policymakers.'
