Former Conservative leader William Hague has revealed his priorities in his bid to become chancellor of Oxford University as he speaks about his deep love of the city. 

In a statement issued this week, the politician praised the university and set out his key focuses for the post if elected next month, having officially announced his candidacy in August.

The election race began after 80-year-old Lord Patten retired in February, having served as chancellor for 21 years with the full list of candidates for the role being unveiled on Wednesday.

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan is a notable omission having been disqualified.  

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But Lord Hague has put his case forward as to why he is a strong fit for the role. 

Lord Hague began his statement by saying “Oxford transformed my life”, from comprehensive schoolboy to the heights of Parliament, as it equipped him “to take on any challenge in the world”.

He read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Magdalen College where he served as president of both Oxford University Conservative Association and the Oxford Union, the beginnings of a career in politics.

Serving as MP of Richmond (York) in North Yorkshire from 1989 to 2015, Lord Hague also held the posts of Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons during his time in parliament.

He has continued his career as a public speaker, author of biographies, and philanthropist since he retired from politics and was made a life peer in 2015.

Referencing his connections across government, business, academics and the charitable sector, he said he was “ready to open their doors in the service of the university”.

Chancellor is a historic post at Oxford University.Chancellor is a historic post at Oxford University. (Image: Other)

The historic office of chancellor, which has been a post at Oxford for 800 years, is a largely ceremonial role.

Lord Hague added in his statement “I am not averse to wearing robes”.

This is the first time in the post’s history that registered staff and alumni will be able to choose their preferred chancellor, with 250,000 people due to cast their votes using an online system.

Among the candidates are Labour’s Lord Mandelson and Downtown Abbey star Alastair Bruce.

The new chancellor will be announced on November 25 and will serve a fixed term of no more than 10 years.

In his bid, Lord Hague identified three major issues for the next decade which the chancellor could help with, the first of which was promoting freedom of speech without “the comfort blanket of cancellation”.

Lord Hague added: "Violence and prejudice should be countered through the rigour of reason, not the comfort blanket of cancellation.

"Oxford minds should be ready for the great debating chamber of the world, not the echo chambers of the like-minded."

His other key focus points are finding solutions for higher education funding and helping the university adapt to technological developments.

He concluded: “My heart and soul are in Oxford, and if I can help ensure future 17-year-olds have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service." 

Initial votes will begin on October 28.