Former Conservative leader Lord William Hague is set to be formally inaugurated as the 160th Chancellor of the University of Oxford in a prestigious ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre on Wednesday.
The event will see alumni, academics, and senior university figures don their ceremonial regalia to mark the occasion. This will be Lord Hague’s first public engagement as Chancellor since winning the election for the role in November.
Lord Hague, a former Tory leader and Foreign Secretary, emerged victorious in a closely watched contest, defeating Sarah Everard Inquiry chair Lady Elish Angiolini and Labour peer Lord Peter Mandelson. The election was called following the retirement of Lord Chris Patten, who stepped down in February last year after more than 20 years in the role.
A historic appointment
The chancellorship of Oxford University is a position steeped in tradition, dating back over 800 years. The role is largely ceremonial, with the Chancellor presiding over key university events, chairing the committee responsible for selecting the Vice-Chancellor, and acting as an ambassador for Oxford at home and abroad.
This year’s election marked a historic first, as Oxford staff and alumni were able to cast their votes online. In the final round, Lord Hague secured 12,609 votes, beating Lady Angiolini by a margin of 1,603 votes.
Lady Angiolini, who serves as the outgoing principal of St Hugh’s College, had hoped to become Oxford’s first female Chancellor. She was joined in the race by Baroness Jan Royall, outgoing principal of Somerville College, as well as Labour grandee Lord Mandelson and former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve.
Lord Hague’s Oxford legacy
Lord Hague, who studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Magdalen College, Oxford, in the early 1980s, was a distinguished student leader. He served as president of the Oxford Union, a debating society renowned for its influence on British politics.
Following his time at Oxford, Hague rose rapidly through the ranks of the Conservative Party, becoming its leader from 1997 to 2001. He later served as Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014 under David Cameron’s government, playing a central role in British diplomacy.
Priorities as chancellor
In his campaign statement, Lord Hague emphasised the importance of freedom of speech in higher education, warning that universities must remain places where differing opinions can be openly debated.
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He also highlighted the financial pressures facing UK universities, stating that the country was “heading for a crisis” in higher education funding. Hague has pledged to work towards sustainable solutions for how the state supports institutions like Oxford.
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As Chancellor, Lord Hague will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the university, which is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor. However, he will play an important advocacy and fundraising role, helping to ensure Oxford’s continued global standing.
An Oxford tradition continues
Oxford’s Chancellorship has been occupied by a range of distinguished figures over the centuries, including former Prime Ministers, senior judges, and prominent public servants. Lord Hague follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Lord Patten, who was a former Conservative Party chairman and the last British Governor of Hong Kong.
His official installation on Wednesday will be accompanied by traditional Oxford pageantry, reinforcing the university’s deep-rooted customs. The event is expected to draw dignitaries, academic leaders, and members of the Oxford community from across the world.
With his experience in politics, diplomacy, and public service, Lord Hague’s tenure is anticipated to bring strong leadership and advocacy to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
