United Kingdom
I grew up in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and went on to study PPE at Magdalen College, Oxford. Although politics fascinated me early in life, I was equally drawn to economics and business. I worked at McKinsey in my twenties and later completed an MBA at INSEAD in France. I also love writing. My life has spanned government, business and literature; and, most recently, it has come full circle with my election as Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In politics, I was an MP for 26 years (1989-2015) and served in government as Minister for Disabled People, Secretary of State for Wales, Foreign Secretary, First Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Commons. In opposition, I led the Conservative Party for four years. My proudest legislative achievement was the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). In business, I hold advisory and board positions with Citi, Hakluyt and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and serve as Chair of ICE Futures Europe. I write and broadcast each week for The Times and Times Radio. My books include biographies of William Pitt the Younger and William Wilberforce. With Tony Blair I have co-authored the New National Purpose series on science, innovation and AI. In charitable work, I am Co-Chair of United for Wildlife, and continue to support a number of conservation and education initiatives in the UK and internationally. As Chancellor, I happily dedicate myself to representing and championing one of the world’s greatest universities. Oxford has changed dramatically since my own matriculation; more diverse, more global, and making world-leading breakthroughs in fields from vaccines to quantum computing. I have four priorities for Oxford and all universities in an age of rapid technological and social change: 1) maintain world-leading standards in research and teaching; 2) strengthen work across disciplines; 3) defend freedom of thought and speech; 4) and preserve our essential humanity in an age of machines. I am looking forward to meeting thousands of our alumni worldwide, encouraging even more of them to give their time and resources, and helping to ensure that a university older than Magna Carta is at its strongest today and for generations to come.
Elected by Convocation in November 2024 and formally admitted in February 2025. In this role I preside over ceremonies such as Encaenia, represent Oxford University, and support the University’s fundraising, alumni engagement and strategic priorities.
I lead Hakluyt’s International Advisory Board, guiding the firm’s outlook and international growth.
I write a weekly column for The Times on politics and global affairs, broadcast regularly on Times Radio.
I provide advice on global markets, strategy and international engagement, drawing on my experience in government and business.
I serve as a Director of ICE and Chair of ICE Futures Europe, with responsibility for governance and oversight in one of the world’s leading exchange and clearing house operators.