A former mayor of Bracknell is in the running to become the chancellor of one of the most highly-regarded universities in the world.
Ankur Shiv Bhandari, the former mayor of Bracknell Forest for 2022-23 has confirmed that he has filed his nomination to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Oxford is the second oldest university in the world, being continuously used as an education institution since circa 1200, beaten only by the University of Bologna in Italy which was founded circa 1180-1190.
Mr Bhandari's academic and professional journey spans over more than 50 countries, and his leadership as the first Asian/Indian-origin mayor of Bracknell Forest underscores his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.
He is fluent in multiple languages and has said he is deeply committed to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and enhancing the university's global reputation.
Mr Bhandari's nomination states that his dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and the desire for the continuation of Oxford’s rich traditions makes him an ideal candidate to represent the university into the next decade.
Other candidates include the university's pro-vice chancellor Lady Elish Angiolini, the former foreign secretary William Hague, the former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and Lord Peter Mandelson.
Mr Bhandari served as a Bracknell Forest councillor from 2019 to 2023, where he unsuccessfully stood as a Conservative candidate for the new Binfield North & Warfield West ward.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here