What's happened
William Hague has been elected as the new chancellor of Oxford University, defeating Elish Angiolini in a closely contested online vote. This election has sparked discussions about gender representation and the future of UK-US relations, particularly with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the presidency.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, William Hague's election as Oxford's chancellor marks a significant moment, as he narrowly defeated Elish Angiolini, who would have been the first woman in the role. The election was notable for its online format, which aimed to increase participation among alumni. The New York Times reported Hague's statement on the importance of Oxford's future, emphasizing that 'what happens at Oxford in the next decade is critical to the success of the U.K.' Meanwhile, The Independent highlighted the implications of Hague's election in the context of the upcoming Trump presidency, suggesting that it may affect the UK's diplomatic strategies moving forward.
How we got here
The election for Oxford's chancellor followed a competitive process that included notable candidates like Elish Angiolini and Peter Mandelson. Hague's victory comes at a time of significant political shifts, including Trump's re-election, raising questions about the UK's diplomatic stance.
More on these topics
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in continuous operation