Chris Patten, the outgoing Chancellor of the University of Oxford, has criticized Peter Mandelson’s call for a non-Tory chancellor as “a stupid argument” and “a mistake”. Patten, a former Conservative party MP, is stepping down after 21 years and is not backing any specific candidate, emphasizing that party politics should not play a role in the election.
Mandelson, along with other candidates like William Hague and Dominic Grieve, has put forward his candidacy, arguing that the position should not be monopolized by the Conservatives. Patten countered this by pointing out that party affiliation should not define the role, but rather the candidate’s commitment to Oxford.
Patten highlighted the contributions of other candidates, such as Lord Hague and Dominic Grieve, who have been involved in significant projects at Oxford. He did not explicitly mention Mandelson but stressed the importance of selecting a candidate with a genuine interest in the university.
The election, which will be conducted online for the first time, will see tens of thousands of former and current students voting. Other candidates in the running include Elish Angiolini and the imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. Voting will begin on October 28, with a potential second round in mid-November if at least 10 candidates participate.
Patten, who also announced the winners of the Praemium Imperiale awards, recounted his dealings with Vladimir Putin during his time as European commissioner for external relations, describing him as “a nasty piece of work.” He reflected on his time at Oxford, emphasizing the importance of selecting a chancellor who understands and supports the university’s goals.
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