Oxford’s Chancellor elections will be held online for the first time in the University’s history, following Lord Patten’s announcement of his retirement.
After 21 years in the role, Patten has decided to retire, stating: “I think it is in my own interest and that of the University for me to step down […] giving the University the opportunity to plan a sensible succession which matches the demands of the 2020s”.
The position of Chancellor, as titular head of the University, comprises formal duties, such as chairing the committee to elect the Vice-Chancellor, as well as advocacy, advisory, and fundraising work. Previous chancellors include Harold Macmillan, Oliver Cromwell, and Edward Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax.
While the details of the elections are to be “announced in due course” by the University, many have already begun speculating about nominations. Rumoured candidates include Rory Stewart, former Prime Ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, and principal of St Hugh’s College Lady Angiolini KC. Both Lady Angiolini and May would be making history as the University’s first female chancellor if elected.
A serving don has commented that candidates “[…] need to have the stature to do the job as well as people skills.” The formal requirements for the selection process involve a nomination by fifty members of the University’s Convocation, which is made up of former students who hold an Oxford degree and existing or former congregation members. Despite common misconceptions, provided that these 50 nominations have been obtained, anyone, regardless of nationality and alma mater, can, in theory, be elected as Chancellor. However, the role has typically been held by former Oxonian politicians.
The previous election in 2003 was held, as tradition stipulates, in the Sheldonian, and required full academic dress. Over 8,000 of Oxford’s graduates participated, a turnout which is now expected to be exceeded with the removal of in-person voting. The 2003 ballot offered voters a choice between Lord Bingham of Cornhill, Lord Neil of Bladen, Chris Patten, and Sandi Toksvig, the latter of whom pledged to eliminate student fees, and was the first female candidate for this position. Patten was consistently regarded as the most likely candidate in the run-up to the election, William Hill having offered odds of 7/4.
This year, Lee Phelps of William Hill said that Rory Stewart “[…] tops the early betting at 5/6” and faces his “main rival” in Theresa May at 7/4. Behind them are Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, who “can be backed at 4/1 and 13/2, respectively”. Khan was placed at 10/1.
