Mr. Hague, a former leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, was chosen in a vote by his fellow alumni to lead the elite university.

Former foreign secretary and Conservative Party leader William Hague has been elected as the new chancellor of the University of Oxford. Lord Hague, who graduated from Magdalen College in 1982, will be formally inaugurated into the predominantly ceremonial role in the new year.

LONDON (AP) — Former U.K. Conservative Party leader William Hague has been elected chancellor of Oxford University, one of the most prestigious positions in British academia, the university said Wednesday.

Appointment comes after the former Tory leader told The Independent his chief rival’s claim – that the role is merely a ‘ceremonial figurehead’ – was wrong

William Hague, a former British foreign minister and onetime leader of the Conservative Party, was elected on Wednesday as the next chancellor of the University of Oxford, a largely ceremonial role which dates back centuries.

William Hague, former UK Conservative Party leader, has been elected the 160th Chancellor of Oxford University. Hague won after a competitive election, defeating Lady Elish Angiolini. His 10-year term will begin in early 2025,

William Hague graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford in 1982. He began his political career at the Oxford University Conservative Association.