Following his election victory in November 2024 for the position of Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Lord Hague of Richmond was formally admitted as Oxford’s 160th Chancellor at a ceremony conducted at the Sheldonian Theatre.
In response, Lord Hague stated:
‘I thank all of you, the Convocation, for electing me as your chancellor and for your enthusiastic welcome in recent weeks. Every visit I have made so far and every conversation, has intensified my excitement about the years to come. I happily dedicate myself today to working with you and for you.’
“What happens here is more fundamental to British prosperity than it has ever been. That means we must always maintain the highest and most rigorous standards of excellence, welcoming the most brilliant minds irrespective of background”.
‘It is in the public interest, and in the critical national interest of the United Kingdom, that we remain at the very forefront of the science and the applications of this change. What happens here is more fundamental to British prosperity than it has ever been. That means we must always maintain the highest and most rigorous standards of excellence, welcoming the most brilliant minds irrespective of background,’ he said.
Lord Hague will be a great asset to this prestigious university during his term because of his strong ties to it and his dedication to its principles, goals, and vision.
Before earning his degree in 1982, William Hague attended Magdalen College to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). He came from a South Yorkshire comprehensive school and has always said that Oxford transformed his life.
When William was elected as the MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, at the age of 27, his political career officially began. He held numerous high-level positions in the House of Commons for 26 years, including First Secretary of State and Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014.
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In 1995, the year he was nominated to the Privy Council, he was in charge of the historic Disability Discrimination Act as Minister for Disabled People. Along with former UN Special Envoy to the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Angelina Jolie, he co-founded the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Violence in Conflict, which made him the most traveled Foreign Secretary in British history.
William has split his time between literature, philanthropy, and business since leaving the administration. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Times columnist, and has written two historical biographies.
Lord Hague won a majority of support by members of Convocation in the final round of voting for the post in November 2024.
The new Chancellor will 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.
Credit: Oxford University
