The University of Oxford has revealed the list of 38 candidates vying to become its next chancellor, but Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, is not among them. This prestigious ceremonial position, vacant since the departure of Chris Patten in June after 21 years, has been filled continuously since 1224.
Among the high-profile contenders for the role are former UK Conservative Party leader William Hague, Labour’s former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, and former attorney general Dominic Grieve. The first woman candidate in 800 years, Scottish lawyer Elish Angiolini, who led the inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard, is also in the race. Angiolini, currently the principal of Oxford’s St Hugh’s College, faces competition from Jan Royall, principal of Somerville College and a former Labour adviser.
Earlier, a spokesperson for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had claimed that Khan intended to submit his application. Khan, an Oxford alumnus who graduated in 1975, is currently incarcerated, facing multiple charges that he argues are politically motivated. His application was reportedly rejected based on the university’s “fit and proper person” criteria. Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s media adviser, called the decision “extremely unfortunate” and questioned the university’s reasoning.
The new chancellor will be elected after two rounds of voting, with the result expected in late November. The role, which is largely ceremonial, includes presiding over key university events and engaging in advocacy, advisory, and fundraising efforts. The incoming chancellor will serve a fixed term of no more than 10 years, following recent changes to university regulations.
