Oxford University has responded to a backlash after Imran Khan was not named as a candidate to be chancellor.  

The historic institution will appoint a new chancellor for the first time in 21 years after Lord Patten’s decision to retire after holding the position for more than two decades.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Khan had been extremely vocal in the past few months about running for the position from his jail cell.

Serving a 10-year jail sentence, the 72-year-old was also charged by Pakistani police earlier this month with attempted murder.

READ MORE: Oxford University announces all 38 chancellor candidates

Imran Khan was not on the list.Imran Khan was not on the list. (Image: PA)

This was over the death of a policeman during violent protests by his supporters, officials said on Tuesday, October 8.

A full and official list of 38 candidates was released by the University of Oxford on Wednesday but there was no mention of Khan.

This sparked a backlash online with many of his supporters rushing to social media to complain that he was not in the running for the position.

Pakistani human rights activist Shehr Bano said: “Shame on you for not letting Imran Khan to contest elections.”

“You have tarnished your centuries-old reputation by not letting the most famous and qualified alumni of your thousand-year history, Imran Khan, contest this election,” added another commenter on X, formerly Twitter.

READ MORE: Imran Khan disqualified from Oxford University chancellor role

The University of Oxford.The University of Oxford. (Image: Unsplash)

When asked by the Oxford Mail over the omission of Khan, a spokesperson for the University of Oxford said: “A small number of applicants were disqualified on the exclusion criteria but we are not confirming or commenting on any excluded applicants.

“All applications were considered solely against the previously stated exclusion criteria which are as follows.

“The chancellor cannot be a student of the University.

“The chancellor cannot be an employee of the University.

“The chancellor cannot be a serving member of, or a declared candidate for election to, an elected legislature.

“The chancellor must not be disqualified from being a charity trustee by virtue of section 178 of the Charities Act 2011 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision) or subject to a disqualification order made by the Charity Commission and must be a “fit and proper person” as determined by guidance published from time to time by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.”

READ MORE: Downton Abbey actor announces shock Oxford University chancellor bid

The chancellor is the titular head of Oxford University and presides over several key ceremonies while also chairing the committee to elect the vice-chancellor.

In addition to these formal duties, the chancellor undertakes advocacy, advisory and fundraising work, acting as an ambassador for the university at a range of national and international events.

The post has been occupied continuously at Oxford since 1224, exactly 800 years.

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