An election will be held for the first-ever time to decide the new Chancellor following 80-year-old Lord Chris Patten’s decision to retire later this year.
More than 250,000 Oxford graduates and former staff members will be able to vote online for the role which has only been held by three people since 1960.
These are former Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, ex-Labour home secretary and president of the European Commission Roy Jenkins and Lord Patten.
Several ex-politicians have thrown their hats into the ring this year including former PM Theresa May as well as Lord William Hague and Lord Peter Mandelson.
Yet an East London bartender who ran against Labour’s Diane Abbott in the UK general election has put his name forward in a surprise move.
Ryan Ahmad believes his role within the hospitality industry has given him the skillset required for the chancellor position.
“Most recently I have been pulling pints, tending bar and volunteering with lonely and isolated older people,” he said.
“Service and hospitality are both enjoyable and character building.
“I like knowing I am competent, though putting a smile on someone’s face, improving their day, offering the opportunity to talk about what’s going on in people’s lives, or the world, being part of the community.
“The thing it taught me most was the correct humbleness despite maintaining the confidence to interject to improve outcomes.”
Regarding what needs to be done in the role, the former bartender has placed student welfare and safeguarding as a top priority.
“Despite stereotypes and organised influence, there really isn’t an Oxford type,” said Mr Ahmad.
“Yes, there are lots of privately educated kids, many state schooled students, sporty types, international students, military honour candidates, mavericks, geniuses, but there is such a diversity of intake and then unrivalled diversity of experience while at university, that it doesn’t really matter what sort of fit you are.
“More important is the encouragement, communication and sharing of ideas and the encouragement of the freedoms that engender progress.
“Student welfare safeguarding and safety is highly important, but I’ve got that covered from counselling to counter-terrorism.
“As for outcomes, I’ve had a hand in directing research, but I also understand capitalism and wealth, which means I offer a range of levels of contribution to the value-adding problem.”
The 42-year-old believes that a fresh approach is needed by the university regarding the newest chancellor vacancy.
He has argued that the politicians of old are now outdated and someone from the new generation needs to take up the role.
“All of the candidates I’ve heard of have been ‘old friends’,” said Mr Ahmad.
“The network of people in serious consideration for these types of roles can be a little limited.
“Hague is smart and capable, but I am better and next generation. He’s had his time!”
