Powys resident Lord William Hague is in a race to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford.

An election will be held for the first-ever time to decide the new Chancellor following 80-year-old Lord Chris Patten’s decision to retire later this year.

More than 250,000 Oxford graduates and former staff members will be able to vote online for the role which has only been held by three people since 1960.

These are former Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, ex-Labour home secretary and president of the European Commission Roy Jenkins and Lord Patten.

William Hague and wife Ffion arrive at St Mary's Church in Brunton, Somerset.William Hague and wife Ffion arrive at St Mary's Church in Brunton, Somerset. (Image: Stefan Rousseau)

The latter has been in the unpaid role since March 2003 with the post itself dating back to 1224.

Lord Hague declined to comment but, according to the FT, told friends he is “highly likely” to let his name be put forward.

The Cyfronydd Hall resident attended the university and read PPE at Magdalen College.

Former Tory Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson are also seen as potential contenders.

It comes as there have been reports that former Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan, will reportedly run for chancellor of Oxford University from his prison cell in Pakistan.

The controversial politician and cricket star will attempt to enter despite serving a10-year jail sentence.

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According to Oxford University, the role of chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, who is “usually an eminent public figure elected for life” and “presides over all major ceremonies”.

“Imran Khan will contest for the chancellor of Oxford University as there is a public demand that he should contest,” Mr Khan’s advisor on international media Syed Zulfi Bukhari told The Telegraph.

Mr Khan is currently in jail over allegations of stoking protests and violence against the Pakistan military on May 9 last year. He has denied the charges.

Mr Khan studied Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford in 1972 and also captained the cricket team of Oxford University.

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