Despite running against a popular incumbent, Hannah Wigley’s articulate manifesto, addressing recent problems with drink spiking and complaints of STYC complacency, put her in a solid position to mount a challenge to Hughes.
Wigley main policy focus will be on reforming the STYC system around a new formalised Code of Conduct and standardising the selection processes, to ensure those selected are best suited and fulfill the requirements of the role properly.
She claimed to Vision that STYC’s “need to know what their roles and responsibilities are, which the introduction of a standardised code of conduct and training tailored to them would help with.”
Alongside this, Wigley’s manifesto promotes ‘dialogue’ as the vital ingredient for a strong welfare system; whether it is the YUSU Welfare Officer doing more to ensure that JCRC welfare representatives understand the welfare services on offer to struggling students, or a dialogue with bars and clubs in town to ensure student safety and alcohol awareness.
However, her experience in welfare is comparatively limited, with her only senior welfare related experience deriving from her time as Vanbrugh JCRC Female Welfare Officer. When compared with the other candidates, who have a broader and more developed breadth of experience, this may put her at a disadvantage.
Tipster’s Odds: 6/1
If Wigley puts her policies across well, she could mount a serious challenge – in what will be a difficult incumbent to take on. Lack of experience and a ‘wordy’ manifesto may be her downfall.