Battle of the Old Boys: Mandelson v Hague in Oxford Chancellor Elections

Peter Mandelson and William Hague have been listed in the front-running to become the next Chancellor of Oxford University. The incumbent Lord Robert Patten, aged 80, has announced his retirement at the end of the academic year. This triggered the current election to find a suitable replacement, the victor will serve a 10-year term in the role.

The Chancellor of Oxford University is an unpaid position that has been described as ‘the ultimate grandee role’; it has existed for 800-years since Robert Grosseteste was appointed in 1224. 

Peter Mandelson’s career has been defined by his role in the New Labour government of 1997, which saw him take on a range of ministerial roles. He also served as European Commissioner and is a member of the House of Lords. Until January 2025, he will continue in his role as Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University. 

William Hague’s speech at the 1997 Conservative Party Conference, at the age of 16, pushed him firmly into the political sphere. At Oxford he was appointed President of the Oxford Union. He served as an Member of Parliament for 26-years, holding the role of Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001. Hague still occasionally returns to Oxford to teach seminars on politics and history.

When interviewed on the prospect of Chancellorship, both men had something to say. 

"Given I studied at Oxford, it's an important place to me"

Mandelson stated, “Given I studied at Oxford it’s an important place to me”. Mandelson attended St Catherine’s College, Oxford from 1973 to 1976.

Hague stated, “I’ve always cared deeply about Oxford since I arrived there from a comprehensive school.” Hague attended Magdalen College, Oxford from 1979 to 1982.

38 first-round candidates were announced by the University; however, 33 were cut from the shortlist to leave a final five to face voting. Amongst those cut were former-Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan and a Cambridge University student who promised to ‘give you anything you want.’

The five remaining candidates joining Mandelson and Hauge are: Elish Angiolini, Dominic Grieve, and Jan Royal. However, the odds lean heavily towards either Mandelson or Hauge to claim victory - continuing the unbroken trend of a white male being elected to the position. 

When asked their thoughts about the future Chancellor, an Oxford student responded, “I haven’t got the time for this sort of thing”, “It doesn’t really affect you whoever is Chancellor”.