William Hague, former UK Conservative Party leader and ex-foreign secretary, has been elected as the University of Oxford’s 160th chancellor. He won the final round of the election against Elish Angiolini, Scotland’s former lord advocate, by 1,603 votes.
An Oxford alumnus, Hague called the appointment the “greatest honour” of his life and vowed to serve the university with dedication. The chancellor’s role, primarily ceremonial, has been part of Oxford’s traditions since 1224. Recently, the position’s term was extended to 10 years.
Hague succeeds Chris Patten, Oxford’s previous chancellor and the last British governor of Hong Kong before its return to China.