Lord William Hague has been elected as the new chancellor of the University of Oxford.

The 63-year-old will will serve as the next chancellor having won a majority of support in the final round of voting for the post.

Lord Hague will be formally inaugurated as chancellor early in the new year and serve for a term of 10 years.

He becomes the 160th recorded chancellor in the University’s history, a role that dates back at least 800 years.

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William Hague and Ffion Hague arrive on day ten of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.William Hague and Ffion Hague arrive on day ten of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. (Image: Zac Goodwin / PA)

Lord Hague, the chancellor-elect, said: “Thank you to my fellow Oxonians for placing such confidence in me.

“I regard being elected as the chancellor of our university as the greatest honour of my life. I pay tribute to the other candidates, in particular for their commitment to the future of Oxford.

“What happens at Oxford in the next decade is critical to the success of the UK.

“I look forward to working closely with the vice-chancellor and her team, along with students and alumni, to build on their excellent work.

“My heart and soul are in Oxford and I will dedicate myself in the coming years to serving the university I love.”

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The University of Oxford has a new chancellor.The University of Oxford has a new chancellor. (Image: Newsquest)

Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Lord Hague back to Oxford as its 160th Chancellor.

"On behalf of the entire University community, I heartily congratulate him on being elected.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to the four unsuccessful candidates for their dedication and willingness to serve.

"William is a great friend to Oxford and is someone who I know will serve and represent this magnificent institution with dignity and vigour.

"I am personally looking forward to working with him during the remainder of my tenure, and to also engaging with his wife, Ffion, another loyal alum to the University of Oxford. Congratulations once again."

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

William Hague graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford in 1982 and has always said that Oxford transformed his life, arriving from a comprehensive school in South Yorkshire.

He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics and was president of the Oxford Union.   

William is best known for his political career, particularly his time as leader of the Conservative Party from 1997 to 2001 and Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014.

He also served as Secretary of State for Wales, Leader of the House of Commons, and Minister for Disabled People, in which role he was the author of the Disability Discrimination Act.

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He spent 26 years as the MP for Richmond, Yorkshire.

Lord Hague of Richmond succeeds Lord Patten of Barnes, who announced his retirement from the post in February.

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