Potential for First Female Chancellor at Oxford University

The senior legal professional who headed the investigation into Sarah Everard’s murder is one of two women who could become Oxford University’s inaugural female Chancellor. The names of the five ultimate contenders for this significant role have been revealed. Lady Elish Angiolini is included in this group; she presently serves as the principal of St Hugh’s College in Oxford, previously held the position of Scotland’s Lord Advocate, and chaired the inquiry concerning Wayne Couzens. Also contending for the position is Baroness Jan Royall, the current principal of Somerville College in Oxford. Completing the list of five finalists are Lord William Hague, Lord Peter Mandelson, and Dominic Grieve, who previously served as the Conservative Attorney General. Lord Patten had previously declared his intention to step down from the role earlier this year, having served for over two decades. Last month, a roster of 38 individuals who successfully applied for the post was disclosed. According to his adviser, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and a cricket player, who has been incarcerated for over a year, also submitted an application that was not accepted. Over 23,000 university staff members and alumni cast their votes online for the next Chancellor, a role that has existed at Oxford for eight centuries. These five finalists will now advance to the subsequent voting stage, scheduled to commence on 18 November, and the identity of the new Chancellor will be revealed during the week of 25 November. The chosen individual will occupy the position as the university’s ceremonial head for a defined period not exceeding 10 years, overseeing significant ceremonies and leading the committee responsible for selecting the Vice-Chancellor. For updates, BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are provided.