A candidate for the Oxford University chancellor role says her priority is making the university more accessible for poorer students.

An election will be held for the first-ever time to decide the new Chancellor following 80-year-old Lord Chris Patten’s decision to retire later this year.

More than 250,000 Oxford graduates and former staff members will be able to vote online for the role which has been held by three people since 1960.

These are former Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, ex-Labour home secretary and president of the European Commission Roy Jenkins and Lord Patten.

READ MORE: Meet the bartender standing to become next Oxford University chancellor

Lady Elish Angiolini has vowed to make the university more accessible.Lady Elish Angiolini has vowed to make the university more accessible. (Image: Edinburgh Napier University / PA)

Several ex-politicians have thrown their hats into the ring this year including former PM Theresa May as well as Lord William Hague and Lord Peter Mandelson.

Lady Elish Angiolini led the inquiry into Sarah Everard’s murder and is now among those standing for the university role.

Speaking in the national press, the 64-year-old revealed that making the revered institution more accessible for poorer students was a key priority.

She said: “What would I change about Oxford?

READ MORE: William Hague and Peter Mandelson in race for Oxford University role

“Not very much to be perfectly frank other than to continue widening the range of students who are coming in from more challenged areas in society.”

The Scottish lawyer is no stranger to Oxford having been the principal of St. Hughes College since 2012 and is also a current pro vice chancellor at the university.

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