Vanbrugh College are planning an “emergency by-election” for the position of Chair after two candidates pulled out before yesterday’s hustings.
Max Odone and Olivia Harman were the candidates initially nominated. Odone was forced to withdraw because he was on a leave of absence without being given permission for a variation by the Special Cases Committee. Meanwhile, Harman pulled out due to unspecified medical reasons.
Vision also understands that Harman was allowed a late nomination to ensure that Odone was not an uncontested candidate.
Odone said: “It could seem that [the Vanbrugh JCRC] made an effort to find a reason to not allow me to stand – bearing in mind in the JCRC’s own constitution states that students on leave are eligible to stand.”
“Being a student on leave of absence and being a student studying, I don’t think have any correlation with someone’s ability to be a good Chair. I am suited to being a good Chair regardless of my status as a student. However, I accept the decision as it went through all the correct procedures.”
A YUSU source explained: “Although the JCRC Constitution does permit students on a leave of absence to stand, this document has no legal weight in the University structure, and is superseded by University regulations and ordinances. Max was ruled as not eligible to stand in the election at this time, and Olivia withdrew”.
“Normally, an unfilled JCRC position would be by-elected next term, but Chair is a special case, as there is induction and training to attend, as well as representing the college on university and YUSU committees.
“So, in consultation with the Vanbrugh Returning officer Kate Elliott, we have decided to prolong this election and re-open nominations. Both myself and the JCRC are confident that some good candidates will come forward now.”
Current Chair Matt Stephenson added: “It’s been very unfortunate that both candidates who were running for Chair are now unable to do so, but I have complete faith in my non-retuning officers to deal with this correctly and make sure that the process of finding the next Vanbrugh Chair is completely democratic.”
Outgoing Vanbrugh Sports Rep, Joshua Treacy, is the only nominee for the position of Chair. Other nominees are yet to be announced.
In his unofficial speech at last night’s hustings, Treacy explained how he wants to hold the university more accountable for its responsibilities to students, improve the Volume events and assist with the development of V-Bar.
The college re-opened nominations for Chair yesterday with a closing time of Wednesday week 9 at 4pm. Voting will open on Monday of week 10 and will close on Wednesday. For all other filled JCRC positions, voting will close tomorrow.
KALLUM TAYLOR FOR CHAIR!