Since this sketch was first published in 1982, Lord Stockton has died, and Roy Jenkins has been elected Chancellor of the University. This is an honorary title, held for life. The actualy administration of the University is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor, who holds the post for a four year term.
The 1987 election of the Chancellor was a festive occasion, drawing graduates from all over the country. The colleges laid on hospitality, friendships were renewed, and a glittering array of VIPs queued outside the Sheldonian, in a variety of academic regalia. Some elderly graduates of St Hilda's were heard to remark that this queue was very much like the cake queue at Oliver and Guerdon's Bakery in Summertown during the War, when rationing was in foce, and the value you placed on your guest could be measured by the freshness of the cakes proffered at tea.
Michael Heseltine was known for his flowing golden locks and rousing orations. He was once so carried away during one of his Parliamentary speeches that he seized and shook the Mace, the symbol of the authority of the House of Commons. During the recent election of the Chancellor, he was seen to come round twice in the queue - not to double his vote, but in order to give the camera men ample opportunity to photograph him.
Tony Benn started life as Anthony Wedgewood Benn, then became Lord Stansgate on the death of his father. He was the moving spirit behind the bill which enabled Peers to renounce their peerages. This was because Peers are not allowed to sit in the House of Commons, which has become increasingly the focus of Parliamentary activity.
Quintin Hogg, former Conservative MP for Oxford, also became a Peer, and renounced his title in order to fight for the leadership of the Party. He went round the Party Conference ringing a bell, perhaps to suggest symbolically that he would wake things up. He didn't get the leadership - bell-ringing is not quite the thing expected of a Top Chap. He is now Lord Hailsham.
| College | Degree | Union | |
| Tony Benn | Christ Church | 2nd (PPE) | President |
| Michael Foot | Wadham | 2nd (PPE) | President |
| Lord Hailsham | Christ Church | 1st (Lit Hum) | President |
| Denis Healey | Balliol/Merton | 1st (Lit Hum) | |
| Edward Heath | Balliol | 2nd (PPE) | President |
| Michael Heseltine | Pembroke | 2nd (PPE) | President |
| Roy Jenkins | Balliol | 1st (PPE) | Secretary and Librarian |
| Keith Joseph | Magdalen | 1st (Law) | |
| Harold Macmillan | Balliol | 1st (Classics Mods) | Librarian |
| Margaret Thatcher | Somerville | 2nd (Chemistry) | |
| Jeremy Thorpe | Trinity | 3rd (Law) | President |
| Shirley Williams | Somerville | 2nd (PPE) | |
| Harold Wilson | Jesus | 1st (PPE) |
It is possible to belong to more than one college, usually on gaining a fellowship. PPE means Politics, Philosophy and Economics. It is usual to study two out of the three. Lit. Hum. stands for Literae Humaniores, now more commonly referred to as Classics, comprising the study of Ancient Greek and Latin language and ltierature, history and philosophy. It is sometimes known as 'Greats' after a nickname for the final exams, and is one of the oldest schools in the University. Lord Stockton did not take finals but was awarded a degree on the results of an intermediate examination as a concession due to his service in World War I.
The Union is a private debating society where membership is paid for by the individual student, unlike the Oxford University Student Union, where the fees are paid for all students by the state grant. During the time of the politicians mentioned, the Student Union did not really exist. Women have been allowed to join the Oxford Union Society since 1963, although Shirley Williams spoke in a debate in the early 50s.
