Oxford University has excluded former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from the list of approved candidates for the position of chancellor. Approximately 40 candidates have been included in this list, which indicates those whose nominations have been approved. Despite having submitted his application for the role, Khan’s imprisonment has rendered him ineligible according to the university’s regulations, as noted by a prominent UK law firm.
Following the publication of the list, the university stated that voters will have the opportunity to rank as many candidates as they choose during the first round of voting. The top five candidates will proceed to a second round, scheduled for the sixth week of the Michaelmas Term, starting on November 18. The convocation will then be asked to elect a new chancellor during this term.
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To ensure accessibility for its global community of colleagues and alumni, the election will be conducted online. The initial round of voting is set to take place in the third week of the Michaelmas Term, commencing on October 28, with no further voter registrations permitted at this time.
This announcement follows a legal opinion from Hugh Southey, a King’s Counsel at Matrix Chambers, who indicated that Khan is unlikely to qualify as a candidate due to one of his criminal convictions. Policy advocacy group Beltway Grid highlighted that Southey’s statement has brought to light the legal considerations surrounding Khan’s candidacy and the university’s potential legal obligations.
Southey, a respected legal figure called to the bar in 1996 and awarded Silk in 2010, has extensive experience with high-profile cases, including those heard by the UK Supreme Court. His involvement underscores the importance of complying with legal standards in this election.
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Beltway Grid stated that Khan’s candidacy is being assessed under Regulation 7(d) of Oxford’s Council Regulations 8 of 2002 and Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011. These regulations set forth criteria for individuals serving as trustees, emphasizing the need for honesty and transparency. Given Khan’s legal history, there are questions regarding whether he meets these standards, particularly regarding the ‘fit and proper person’ test, which is utilized by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to evaluate the suitability of trustees. Legal experts are currently deliberating on whether Khan’s candidacy aligns with the necessary standards for this esteemed role.