Oxford accused of bid to ‘stitch up’ chancellor election

The University of Oxford has been accused of attempting to “stitch up” the election of its next chancellor after it said it would begin vetting which candidates can stand.

Under new rules that take effect in April, the names of those vying to take over from Lord Patten of Barnes will be considered by a newly-created “chancellor’s election committee” that will “determine which candidates are eligible to progress to the next stage of the election process”.

The committee, which will include Oxford’s vice-chancellor Irene Tracey and representatives from the university’s council and congregation, will have “due regard to the principles of equality and diversity and the approved role specification”, it was announced in the Oxford Gazette on 21 March.

Accusing the university of a “stitch up”, former government minister Neil O’Brien says the change in voting procedures represents a shift to an “EDI-style process of eastern bloc-style ‘managed democracy’ in which a small group will choose who (if anyone) will be allowed to go forward for ‘election’”.

Previously, anyone could stand for election if nominated by 50 members of the university convocation, Mr O’Brien writes on his Substack. “Given that all of Oxford’s graduates are members of this ‘convocation’, this is not a high bar,” he says.

“Under the new rules…a committee will run the process. It will consist of a bunch of insiders and some people they choose,” adds Mr O’Brien, a Conservative MP and Oxford graduate.

The creation of the committee is believed to relate to the university’s shift to online voting, and efforts to stop the election of a “joke candidate” for the chancellor’s role – a mainly ceremonial post, although Lord Patten assumed a larger representative role on behalf of the university and the UK higher education sector.

His election in 2002 saw about 8,000 graduates return to the city for in-person voting, but the poll will now be conducted online to ensure greater inclusion.

A spokesman for the university said: “The University of Oxford’s next chancellor will be elected by convocation — the body of university members and alumni — using an online platform.

“Eligibility will first be checked by the chancellor’s election committee against criteria agreed by council. The committee will be made up of representatives from across the collegiate university and its council. Announcements about applications will be made in due course.”

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com