Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Daniel Boffey Chief reporter

Mandelson’s call for Labour chancellor of Oxford ‘stupid’, says departing Patten

Chris Patten
Chris Patten is the first Oxford chancellor to stand down from the post since 1715. Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Chris Patten has described Peter Mandelson’s claim that it is time for a non-Tory chancellor of the University of Oxford as “a sort of stupid argument” and a “real mistake”, as Patten retires from the prestigious role.

A host of candidates including Labour’s Lord Mandelson and the former Conservative cabinet ministers William Hague and Dominic Grieve have announced they are standing for election to succeed Lord Patten, a former Conservative party MP and chair.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.