Chris Patten new Oxford Chancellor
European Union Commissioner Chris Patten brings glamour and political contacts as the new Chancellor of Oxford University.
He was the candidate with the highest political profile in the four-horse race thanks to his Tory links and his tenure as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992-1997.
The one-time chairman of the Conservative Party famously organised John Major's 1992 election victory, only to lose his own seat in Bath.
Since 1999 he has been European Union Commissioner for External Affairs.
A Balliol College graduate, 58-year-old Mr Patten met his wife Lavender at Oxford. She was a student at St Hilda's.
Their three daughters, known as the Three Graces in Hong Kong, may add a touch of glamour to the post.
He counted three former vice-chancellors among his supporters, as well as Dame Fiona Caldicott, principal of Somerville College, Sir Tim Lankester, president of Corpus Christi, and historian Timothy Garton Ash.
Mr Patten has been Chancellor of Newcastle University since 1999, but has insisted it will not affect his commitment to Oxford.
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