Who’s New For YUSU?

WITH LESS than one week to go until nominations open, there are already several names in the running for the majority of the YUSU sabbatical positions; the theme of which will be Sesame Street.

In what came as a surprise to many, Tim Ngwena recently confirmed he will be campaigning for a second term in office. He will face tough competition from Union Council and former Labour Club Chair David Levene. Matthew Freckleton, one half of the student team behind York Student Market, has also confirmed his intention to run for the role. No other names have been officially confirmed. However Women’s Committee Chair, Ellie Thomas, is also rumoured to be interested.

Ben Humphrys, Jason Rose and Matt Bailey have all confirmed that they will be running for Academic Affairs Officer. (Current Welfare Office Ben Humphrys would, if elected, be the first person to switch between sabbatical roles). Jason Rose, as YUSU Campaigns Officer, is versed in the election process. Nevertheless having lost to reopening nominations in the Langwith JCRC elections for Ents Rep, it is evident Rose is a divisive figure on campus. ChemSoc Chair Bailey, who confirmed his candidacy exclusively to Vision, is undoubtedly the least prolific out of the trio. LGBT officer Elanin Vince is also rumoured to be considering the role.

York Sports is looking likely to be a three horse-race between Sam Asfahani, Rob Newton and Adam Shergold. Former Langwith Chair Asfahani has a diverse CV, counting American Football President and York Sport Development Officer among his achievements. Newton is the current Hockey President and can count on much support from his club at the ballot box. Shergold is Sports Editor for Nouse and has won Lifetime York Sport Membership for his sports coverage. He is, however, not involved in playing sport at a University or College level and, in addition, failed to get elected at the York Sport Committee elections last year.

Student Activities will have at least three people running; Rachel Hesselwood, Luke Malkin and Nick Scarlett. Vision can exclusively reveal that YUSU volunteering officer Hesselwood will run despite rumours of Rhianna Kinchin seeking re-election. Malkin is Head of DanceSoc and no doubt increased his profile on campus after presenting York Come Dancing. Charities Liaison Officer Scarlett, will already have experience in YUSU logistics and has been involved with many volunteering activities.

There are now two people who both tell Vision they are seriously considering going for the role of Welfare Officer- Peter Warner-Medley and Kate Taylor. Warner-Medley is LGBT officer and won York Come Dancing largely on the audience vote, showing he is more than capable at garnering support. Taylor has been heavily involved with Vanbrugh College and was Female Welfare Rep last year.

Democracy and Services has only one confirmed contender, former Goodricke Chair Dan Walker. Walker was responsible for the first hoard of students coming on to the new Heslington East campus.

Elections open on the 8th March, Week 9.