While Peter Mandelson and William Hague are thought to be the front runners for the 800-year-old post, students are concerned with more mundane lifestyle issues

After Donald Trump’s victory, concern has been expressed in liberal circles that democracy is under existential threat. But next week that ancient Greek ideal of people power has the opportunity to reestablish its credentials in the more rarefied setting of the University of Oxford, where a new chancellor will be elected.

Although Trumpists might scream “woke elitism!”, the man himself, who is a sucker for pomp and ceremony, would doubtless be impressed by the role’s long history. The American presidency, after all, only dates back 235 years, whereas the chancellor of Oxford is a position that has existed for 800 years.