Following the departure of Chris Patten from his longstanding position as Chancellor of Oxford University, a prestigious and ceremonial role, the race for what is often regarded as one of the most coveted positions in Britain has commenced.

Having served as the former governor of Hong Kong and as Tory deputy prime minister, Patten held the chancellorship for over two decades. The role is traditionally filled by a former politician and holds significant symbolic importance.

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In a departure from tradition, Oxford University has announced that the upcoming elections for the chancellorship will be conducted online, marking the first time graduates will have the opportunity to vote remotely. Previously, graduates were required to attend in person, dressed in full academic regalia.

Among the notable candidates in the running for the chancellorship is Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Khan, who studied Economics and Politics at Oxford’s Keble College in 1972, also captained the university’s cricket team in 1974.

Imran Khan brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the chancellor of Bradford University for eight years before stepping down from the role in November 2014.

Other prominent figures vying for the prestigious position include former British Prime Ministers Theresa May, Sir Tony Blair, and Boris Johnson, adding to the anticipation surrounding the election and its outcome.