Imran Khan in running to become University of Oxford's next chancellor

Other applicants include former Conservative leader William Hague and Labour’s former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson

Imran Khan, graduate, Pakistan cricketer, political leader and perhaps University of Oxford's next chancellor. AFP

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan is in the running to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Khan, an Oxford graduate, who has been in prison since August over court cases he said were orchestrated to bar him from returning to power in elections held in February, has submitted a formal application for the role.

Announcing the decision on X, formerly Twitter, Sayed Bukhari, a London-based spokesman for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said: “As per Imran Khan’s instructions, his application form to Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024 has been submitted. We look forward to everyone’s support for a historic campaign.

“It's a ceremonial post but one with utmost prestige and importance and Imran Khan, being one of the larger or more popular names coming out of Oxford, it would be brilliant to see him as chancellor.”

Conservative peer Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced in February he was stepping down as chancellor.

The university said it wants candidates who can demonstrate outstanding achievements in their field, a deep appreciation for the university’s research and academic mission, and the ability to enhance its reputation.

The list of candidates for the 10-year term will not be made public until October, the university's website says, with voting taking place at the end of that month.

Other expected or declared applicants include Elish Angiolini, former solicitor general for Scotland and principal of St Hugh’s College, and Oxford alumni including former Conservative leader William Hague and Labour’s former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson.

Mr Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975 after studying philosophy, politics and economics.

Married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith, he became one of Pakistan's greatest cricket players before turning to philanthropy and politics.

Mr Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed in a no-confidence vote after falling out with the military. He has since waged a campaign of defiance against the generals, who had once backed him, accusing them of being behind an assassination attempt that left him injured. His comeback campaign drew huge crowds on to the nation's streets.

“If he does become the chancellor, he would be the first of Asian descent,” Mr Bukhari said. "It wouldn't be something only for Pakistan, but it would be a great achievement for all of Asia and the rest of the world."

A UN panel of experts this month found Mr Khan's detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office”.

Mr Hague told The Telegraph he was “definitely standing and an application has gone in”.

Mr Mandelson, who served as a minister under Tony Blair, would become the first person from the Labour Party to hold the position. He is stepping down as chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University this year.

Oxford’s chancellor presides over several key ceremonies, as well as undertaking advocacy, advisory and fund-raising work. They also act as an ambassador for the university.

The chancellor is elected by convocation – a body made up of all former students who have been admitted to a degree (other than honorary degrees), members of the university's congregation, and some retired staff.

More than 250,000 eligible colleagues and alumni will choose the next chancellor in an online vote during week beginning on October 28.