“Chris Patten Criticizes Mandelson’s Call for Labour Chancellor at Oxford as ‘Stupid'” 2024-09-12

, the outgoing chancellor of the University of Oxford, has criticized 's suggestion that the university should appoint a non-Conservative chancellor. Patten described Mandelson's argument as "a sort of stupid argument" and labeled it a "real mistake" as he prepares to step down from his prestigious position. The election for Patten's successor has attracted a diverse group of candidates, including Labour's and former Conservative cabinet ministers and . Patten, a former Conservative MP and chair, emphasized that framing the election as a left-right issue is misguided.

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Question 1: What did Chris Patten say about Peter Mandelson's call for a non-Tory chancellor at the University of Oxford?

Chris Patten described Mandelson's argument as "a sort of stupid argument" and a "real mistake," emphasizing that it should not be turned into a left-right issue.

Question 2: Who are some of the candidates running to succeed Chris Patten as chancellor of the University of Oxford?

Candidates include Labour's Lord Mandelson, former Conservative cabinet ministers William Hague and Dominic Grieve, among others.

Question 3: What position did Chris Patten hold at the University of Oxford before his retirement?

Chris Patten served as the chancellor of the University of Oxford before retiring from the role.

Question 4: Why does Chris Patten believe it is a mistake to frame the chancellorship election in political terms?

Patten believes that turning the election into a left-right issue detracts from the qualifications and capabilities of the candidates, which should be the focus instead.