Lord William Hague has been elected as the 160th Chancellor of Oxford University in a historic vote that saw nearly 25,000 members of the university’s Convocation participate.
The former Conservative Party leader and Foreign Secretary emerged victorious after a multi-round election process, securing 12,609 votes in the final stage.
Hague, who will begin his 10-year term in the New Year, triumphed over four other candidates, including runner-up Lady Elish Angiolini who received 11,006 votes.
In the first stage of the final voting, Lord Hague secured 9,589 votes, leading ahead of Lady Elish Angiolini with 6,296 votes.
The Alternative Vote system saw successive eliminations of ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve, former New Labour Minister Lord Peter Mandelson, and Baroness Jan Royall.
With each round, Hague’s support grew steadily, from 10,472 in the second stage to 11,766 in the third.
William Hague with insets of Oxford University and Peter Mandelson
PA
Lord Hague graduated from Magdalen College in 1982 with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
During his student years, he served as President of the Oxford Union, having arrived from a comprehensive school in South Yorkshire.
The 63-year-old served as Conservative Party leader from 1997 to 2001 and as Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014.
He maintained close ties with Oxford throughout his 26-year tenure as MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, helping design the Campaign for Oxford in the late 1980s.
As an honorary fellow of Magdalen, Hague also continued to contribute through lectures and seminars.
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A procession takes place at Oxford UniversityPAUpon his election, Lord Hague said: “Thank you to my fellow Oxonians for placing such confidence in me.
“I regard being elected as the Chancellor of our university as the greatest honour of my life.”
He pledged his commitment, stating: “My heart and soul are in Oxford and I will dedicate myself in the coming years to serving the university I love.”
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, welcomed the appointment.
She said: “William is a great friend to Oxford and is someone who I know will serve and represent this magnificent institution with dignity and vigour.”
Professor Tracey added that she looked forward to working with both Lord Hague and his wife Ffion, “another loyal alum to the University of Oxford”.
As Chancellor, Lord Hague will serve as the titular head of Oxford University, presiding over key ceremonies and acting as an ambassador at local, national and international events.
His role will include advocacy, advisory and fundraising work, as well as chairing the committee for the selection of the Vice-Chancellor.
William Hague
PA
The 63-year-old succeeds Lord Patten of Barnes, who announced his retirement in February.
Lord Patten warmly endorsed his successor following the result of the election.
He said: “I am delighted that William has been chosen.
“He had a stellar time at Oxford and throughout a distinguished political career he has kept in close contact with his college and the University. He will do a great job.”