Imran Khan finally out of Oxford chancellor’s race.
In a surprising turn of events, Oxford University has not included former Pakistani prime minister and founder of PTI Imran Khan’s name in the list of candidates to run for the position of the varsity’s chancellor.
Almost 40 candidates have been shortlisted for the position of Oxford University chancellor.
Due to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, a leading UK legal firm said, he was ineligible for Oxford Chancellorship as per the university’s regulations.
It added that the convocation will be asked to elect a new chancellor in Michaelmas term.
To make this election accessible to its global community of colleagues and alumni, the election will be held online.
“The first round of voting will take place during Week 3 of Michaelmas Term (week commencing 28 October). No further voter registrations are possible at this time.”
The development comes a day after a King’s Counsel at UK’s leading law firm Matrix Chambers opined that former prime minister is not eligible for Oxford chancellorship.
“Hugh Southey, King’s Counsel at Matrix Chambers in London said: “In my opinion, Mr. Khan is unlikely to be eligible to be a candidate in light of one of his criminal convictions.”
Policy advocacy group Beltway Grid said that it analysed the legal opinion by the King’s Counsel Hugh Southey of the Matrix Chambers about Oxford’s Chancellor elections.
Beltway Grid said that Hugh Southey’s statement has brought attention to the legal aspects of Khan’s candidacy, raising concerns about how the university might navigate its legal obligations.
“Southey, a distinguished legal figure called to the bar in 1996 and awarded Silk in 2010, has a wealth of experience in high-profile cases, including those brought before the UK Supreme Court. His involvement underscores the importance of adhering to legal standards in this election.”
It said that Khan’s candidacy is being examined in light of Regulation 7(d) of Oxford’s Council Regulations 8 of 2002 and Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011.
These regulations establish criteria for those serving as trustees, including requirements for honesty and transparency.
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