Concerns have been raised over Peter Mandelson’s candidacy for Chancellor at the University of Oxford amid speculation he’s in line for a top ambassador role.

Lord Mandelson, an ex-Labour MP, cabinet minister and a member of the House of Lords since 2008, has reached the second round of candidates for the role of Chancellor, now facing five remaining candidates in the election.

Though media reports before the US election had Lord Mandelson pinned to become UK ambassador to Washington if Donald Trump wins the presidency, an appointment decision that was delayed until results came in.

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The university’s description of the role of chancellor stipulates that “the chancellor must be readily accessible and available throughout the year,” raising doubt as to Lord Mandelson’s ability to fulfil the requirements should he work as US ambassador.

In his candidate statement Lord Mandelson said: “I am putting my name forward as Chancellor following Chris Patten’s very successful tenure as I am passionately committed to Oxford, its values, its collegiate system and its remarkable teaching and path- breaking research.”

He also wrote: “As an ambassador for the university at home and abroad I would always want to project the university’s educational purpose and our understanding of our common humanity, its history and languages, its art and literature.”   

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Lord Mandelson has not officially put himself forward for the US ambassador role. 

More than 250,000 Oxford students, staff and alumni will take part in the final round of voting for the new Chancellor in the week commencing November 18, and the winning candidate will be announced the following week.

Oxford University declined to comment on any candidates in the race, and efforts have been made to contact Lord Mandelson.

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