Historic Milestone Looms as Oxford University May Elect Its First Female Chancellor in 800 Years

Is Oxford University on the verge of selecting its inaugural female chancellor in the 800-year history of the position?

Notable personalities such as Oliver Cromwell and the first Duke of Wellington have previously occupied the role of chancellor at the university throughout the ages. Now, a former Solicitor General for Scotland is aiming to create her own historical milestone.

Sky News analyst @adamboultonTABB

Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2:

Oxford University ranks among the top academic institutions globally.

According to the latest Times Higher Education rankings, it's the top university, while the QS World University Rankings places it third, after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Imperial College London.

Regardless, it represents the pinnacle of the UK's higher education sector, a rare field of global competition where the nation genuinely excels on the world stage.

Holding the position of chancellor at a university, serving as its ceremonial leader, is considered a highly prestigious role, often sought after by prominent figures in the British elite, such as ex-prime ministers and past political leaders.

A position has opened up after Lord Chris Patten chose to step down from his role as chancellor, a position he held for two decades, upon reaching the age of 80.

Candidates, among them well-known figures, have until 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 18, to submit their applications.

Even if this election is conducted with civility behind closed doors, the contest for the position will extend beyond merely pitting former politicians against one another.

UK Update:

In Southport, the parents of six-year-old Bebe King disclose that her older sister witnessed the stabbing incident and managed to flee.

UK unrest update: Massive crowds join anti-racism demonstrations; mosque targeted with petrol bomb in suspected hate crime

Jay Slater: Large crowd attends memorial service for UK teen who passed away in Tenerife

Progressive ideals will clash with conservative views, with many advocating for the appointment of the first female chancellor. Additionally, there is significant support within the university's academic community for selecting a leader from their ranks, rather than continuing the tradition of appointing statesmen that has persisted since the Tudor era.

Technology enables a more transparent competition

The position of chancellor has a history that spans 800 years. Notable figures such as Oliver Cromwell, the initial Duke of Wellington, and former Prime Ministers Lord Salisbury and Harold Macmillan have all held this distinguished office.

This competition is set to be the most inclusive yet, as for the first time, every member of the so-called "convocation" – encompassing over 250,000 university alumni – will have the opportunity to cast their vote online.

Previously, voters were required to physically appear at the Sheldonian Theatre, appropriately attired in academic robes, to vote in person. Fewer than 6,000 participated in the most recent two elections.

In 1987, Roy Jenkins, previously the Labour Party's Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary, as well as a founding member of the Social Democratic Party and a former President of the European Commission, outperformed Sir Edward Heath, the ex-Prime Minister from the Conservative Party.

The television character Roland Rat also entered the fray.

Following the passing of Mr. Jenkins in 2003, Mr. Patten, the chairman of the Conservative Party, was

Mr. Patten secured victory in the 1992 election on behalf of John Major, yet he did not retain his own parliamentary seat. Subsequently, he was named the final governor of Hong Kong. During his time at Oxford, Mr. Patten achieved the notable feat of simultaneously serving as the chairman of the BBC.

For further details, visit Sky News: Labour councillor facing suspension now facing charges, Musk teases Starmer with repost of a Labour MP’s erased tweet, A fifth mural attributed to Banksy surfaces in less than a week, located over a fish and chip shop.

Prominent figures declare themselves ineligible

Prominent figures mentioned as contenders this year encompass ex-UK prime ministers Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May, along with previous cabinet members William Hague, Peter Mandelson, and Rory Stewart, as well as Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan's prime minister and was a celebrated cricket captain.

Each one has attended Oxford, but attending Oxford isn't a prerequisite for becoming chancellor.

Traditionally, it's considered inappropriate to campaign in a public manner. Individuals aspiring for a position should subtly express their desire to run and then await the endorsement of 50 members of the assembly, who must sign their nomination documents.

Ex-Conservative Party leader William Hague and prominent New Labour figure Peter Mandelson have each openly declared their interest.

Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rory Stewart have withdrawn before the contest began. The voting will utilize a transferable vote system, and it's probable that they would have been either too divisive or poorly ranked to surpass the remaining candidates.

From the beginning, Tony Blair decided not to enter the race.

Additionally, there are some less mainstream contenders: Reverend Matthew Firth from the purported Free Church of England intends to run on a platform opposing "woke" culture.

Similarly, Reverend Nigel Biggar, who previously held the position of regius professor of moral philosophy at the university, has been lauded by numerous conservative figures for his work titled "Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning."

Maxim Parr-Reid primarily seems to be known for his role as a representative of Trinity Oxford on University Challenge.

The university's academic community does not favor any of the political figures mentioned earlier.

Earlier this year, university officials faced allegations of engineering a "rigged process" when they established a panel to screen candidates, ensuring adherence to equality and diversity principles.

This was seen as an effort to undermine the prospects of the white male politicians who have traditionally held the position of chancellor.

In May, The Times praised the university's choice to eliminate prior screening, calling it "a triumph of fairness and logic."

Unfazed, numerous university employees are rallying behind a preferred contender. She is Lady Elish Angiolini, an esteemed attorney and ex-Solicitor General of Scotland.

She holds the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) and is a Lady of the Order of the Thistle. Additionally, she has led independent investigations for governments, such as the inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard by an active-duty police officer.

As a woman from Scotland with Irish Catholic roots and a degree from Strathclyde University, she brings a unique perspective.

Lady Angiolini holds insider status at Oxford as well. She has served as the principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford since 2012, and also holds the position of a pro-vice-chancellor at the university.

She definitely plans to run, though it's uncertain how she navigates the rule stating "the chancellor cannot be a university employee." It might be permissible for her to step down if she wins, but not while she is running.

Individuals who serve in "elected legislatures" are also prohibited from applying. Therefore, Mr. Mandelson and Mr. Hague are eligible.

Mr. Khan, who is presently incarcerated and banned from holding political positions, is also mentioned. There is uncertainty about whether being non-British might disqualify a candidate, but one minor contender, Nigerian Onyeka Nwelue, believes it likely does.

Oxford scholars closely protect their influence over the university. It's well-known that the "congregation," which consists of all professors and lecturers, chose not to bestow an honorary doctorate upon Margaret Thatcher, despite her being the first female Prime Minister of Britain and an alumna of Somerville College, Oxford.

Considering Oxford's esteemed position in the worldwide academic community, some might question the need for change, asking, "if it's working well, why alter it?"

Oxford's significant accomplishments, both within its faculties and institutes, occur almost despite the complex and self-regulating governance systems of its colleges and the university as a whole.

Consequently, the college has been embroiled in several controversies, the latest involving a costly effort to remove a dean who was not originally part of the institution, which resulted in financial losses amounting to millions of pounds for Christ Church.

Leading scholars I know are thrilled when they transition away from Oxford.

Stay updated with the latest news as it happens

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Oxford University's administrative structure differs from the typical setup seen in other universities and public corporations, where a mixed group of executive and non-executive members led by a chairperson usually governs.

During a dinner at an Oxford high table, I proposed implementing this system at colleges and the university. The professor seated next to me was so opposed to the idea that he didn’t speak to me for the remainder of the meal.

The chancellor of Oxford holds a largely symbolic role, with responsibilities more aligned with ceremonial duties and public relations rather than having the authority of a board chairman.

Stay informed on the most recent developments both in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

While male chancellors have historically performed admirably at the university, it would be advantageous to grant a successful outsider a greater role in governance, even at the world's top university.

The names of the final candidates won't be revealed until next week.

The decision seems to hinge on whether the university will continue to engage externally, as it traditionally has, or if the faculty will increase their influence even further.

Numerous alumni, who have largely moved past their college years, possess the ability to influence the outcome, assuming they are aware of the election and sign up to vote by the August 18 deadline.

Elections are scheduled for October 28, and a runoff will be held if, unexpectedly, there are 10 or more eligible candidates.

The newly appointed chancellor is expected to hold the position for a minimum of two decades, unless the university's push for term limits is successful.

May the victory go to the most deserving individual, regardless of their Oxford affiliation or gender.

Sky News Footer

Introduction to Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sites from Sky