This was a test. Would people want to read it? Would people trust my impartiality? Would YUSU let me get away with it?

Across 20 posts in 5 weeks, I’ve had 432 comments and thousands of pageviews. Thank you all for your emails, texts, Facebook messages and whispers in the Derwent Reading Room. You’ve really kept it moving, and I couldn’t have pulled together all this information without you. I hope you found it useful and entertaining.

Your support has been great, and it’s kept me positive in the face of continued YUSU pressure to stop blogging. I don’t want to point fingers, but the nanny-state approach to election coverage this year just hasn’t worked, and I think it needs a total rethink for 2011. Indeed, I am wholly indebted to Charlotte Hogarth-Jones for fighting tooth and nail to keep it running, and I sincerely hope someone follows suit next year. Indeed, perhaps freedom of the electoral press should be something people bear in mind when they go to the polls a week on Monday.

I’m calling it quits for a few reasons. Firstly, I’m tired of the constant fights with YUSU over its legitimacy and the things I can and can’t write. However, moreover I reckon my job is pretty much done – candidates are finalised, and now the real stuff begins – rumours will be replaced by certified news stories, and the Returning Officer media machine will no doubt grind into action. Also, I’ve taken the decision to get involved – and will be running a campaign.

People knock YUSU, and indeed the Elections, as a complete waste of space. This is wholly untrue. The Union affects your life here in so many ways that you just don’t realise, both positively and negatively.

So, please take the time next week to look at the candidates on offer, and please please please cast your vote. Whether you’re a third-year on your way out, or a fresher with no idea what all the posters are about, you have the chance to have your say. Use it.

And did you really think I’d end it without naming who I reckon will win the elections for YUSU 2011? I’m not going to say who I’m voting for, but this is how I think it’ll end up.

Let’s see how long this is allowed to stay online. It’s only my opinion, right?

UPDATED @ 14.53

Well that didn’t last long now did it. Apparently my opinion is deemed far too dangerous to be aired. YUSU strikes again. Vote for whoever you bloody want.

Thank you for reading, and good luck to all the candidates.

Henry

At the centre of a brewing storm is Democracy and Services candidate-to-be Chris Etheridge, who has got fellow candidates effing and blinding over what is generally being perceived as s cheeky head-start. OTR was sent the below by an anonymous tipster, but I reckon many of the readers of this blog will have had a similar invitation:

OTR has learned that with Taskmaster Bretts still unwell, annoyed candidates and general election sleuths have fired accusatory emails to YUSU Staff members, current Sabbs and the media. However, OTR has obtained an email that shows when Nouse got in touch with the staff member currently deputising for Bretts, the reporter was told that it is “allowed in the run up to the announcement of candidates and part of the process of ‘preparing for campaigning’”. Whatever that means.

Indeed, when OTR got in touch with Etheridge’s campaign Tsar Peter Campbell, he said that they “spoke with YUSU prior to the invitations” and that the invitations were “all above board”. Apparently, the YUSU line is that if it’s a secret group, unsolicited invitations are totally kosher. I’d reckon that all those people who are complaining now will quickly jump on that loophole bandwagon.

Perhaps more intriguing is a juicy little piece of gossip that OTR heard today regarding policy selling. “Policy selling?” I hear you cry. Yes. If getting people to stick to them wasn’t enough, now they’re being traded.

Allegedly, an as yet unknown member of a Student Activities candidate’s campaign team went rogue and the mercenary little tyke approached a rival candidate with the offer of a certain number of their candidate’s finest policies, for a fee.

What does a decent policy go for nowadays on the black market? Who was this devious little double-crosser? Answers on a postcard please. All OTR knows is that the well-meaning candidate turned down the offer. Good on them. Unless, of course, the policy was crap.

Campaigning starts in exactly seven days time. Nominations close Friday.

Lots of election gossip and intrigue in tomorrow’s Nouse. Look out for it on campus from 11AM.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

But a quick peruse of the official YUSU Elections Handbook throws up some interesting contradictions.

“Everyone will be talking to people, have posters, stickers, badges, Facebook groups, flyers and t-shirts so how are you going to make yourself stand out?”, asks a section on page 24 entitled ‘Tactics’. Interesting – and how are T-shirts going to be costed, is OTR‘s first query. For the record, the official budget is now £35, a £5 rise on last year.

But then, on the very next page, OTR reads:

9. Publicity must be printed at the YUSU printroom, the use of other printers will lead to disqualification.

Now the big question, surely, is “What constitutes as publicity?” Because, as far as I am aware, Your:Print doesn’t do t-shirts. Or, indeed, posters larger than A0, that some candidates might choose to print themselves on campus printers, and stick on large pieces of card. The grey area grows with every example.

Candidates in previous years have used such larger-than-life posters, OTR even heard of Rory Shanks almost getting arrested for stealing broken down boxes from a Tesco loading area. Others have used clothing of debatable legality daubed with election slogans or surnames – how does this ‘publicity’ fit inside clauses 8 and 9 of the Rules and Regulations.

The answer, of course, lies with Bretts – who I’m informed won’t be back on campus until Week 8. Ultimately, he will decide what is ingenuity and what is illegal. Interestingly enough, he most certainly benefitted most last year from the ruling that made cardboard posters made from “illegally” printed sheets of paper legal. One wonders if it will be the same this time around. OTR eagerly awaits the first showdown…

In other news, a helpful candidate pointed OTR in the direction of perhaps Tom Scott’s magnum opus of micro-management – his beautifully presented 2009 Elections Report, which he compiled post-Elections last year.

It’s essential reading for any would-be winner next month. Of particular note are the stats showing voter turnout and voting trends.

Page 6 shows the answers – Derwent leads in terms of turnout as a percentage of population, but the college’s actual potential is ultimately dwarfed by Halifax’s 30% turnout, at three times the size – sew up the Halifax vote and you’re halfway there. On the other hand, Wentworth is an untapped mine of votes; crack that college and a flood of unrealised potential is yours.

The breakdown by year (also on page 6) surely reflects the impact of online campaigning; despite the huge numbers of posters in kitchens and across campus, first-year turnout is a disappointing 10% lower than that of third-years. However, it could also be argued that most of the candidates are in their final year.

Then, for all those planning a final flourish during voting week, think again. Page 7 is a stark reminder that the election is won and lost during Week 8, with almost half the votes being placed in the first few hours of Monday morning, Week 9. If you’re slow off the mark, it might be game over.

And one last word of wisdom from Mr Scott: “There were also allegations of campaigners interfering with rival candidates‟ publicity,” he concludes, before stating that it is “difficult to prove given that it‟s impossible to legislate for Acts of Porter or Acts of Drunk Student.”

Well there you have it then, that’s the way to win: Buy your campaign team a few crates of Special Brew and let the havoc commence.

That’s only a potential idea IN MY OPINION, mind.

A few final remarks. Roberto Powell has declared his official intentions to run – OTR suspects a Presidential bid. Also – candidates are reminded that nominations are all done online this year.

OTR was sat in the YUSU Reception late on Monday afternoon when a confident David Levene breezed in. “Can I have an application pack please?” he piped up, beaming from ear to ear. The YUSU staff member looks non-plussed. Levene’s smile is unwavering: “An application pack, for a nomination?”

“It’s all online” comes the reply. “Oh. Oh. Oh right, yes, of course.” Of course, David, of course.

Sign-up online at http://www.yusu.org/election/nominations

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

Malkin – perhaps looking to quieten the murmurs of dissent from those that view his late arrival on the RAG scene as a little too cynical – came straight from a dance competition in Durham to grace the event. While one high-profile campaign manager told OTR on Friday that they thought he’d “left it too late to join the committee and look genuine”, those involved with the event management last night were full of praise for Malkin’s efforts behind the scenes.

Still, as far as OTR is concerned, Malkin’s efforts to potentially increase his exposure pale in comparison to a certain Mr Jason Rose – or ‘~J’ as he now seems to prefer, alerting all those who weren’t aware of his Nouse comment prowess.

~J – as OTR will hence affectionately refer to him, as current YUSU Campaigns Officer, emailed the 1,900 members of the Save The Porters Campaign Facebook group last night with a request to join a new group and post thoughts on how they have been affected by the changes. Quite why a new group is needed, OTR is unsure, but that would certainly be a good way for Rose to get his name out to 1,900 students that might, as a result, associate him with last term’s protests. Now that’s a strong line to run an election campaign on.

Or perhaps that’s just a conspiracy theory. Who knows. But like I said, nominations open tomorrow.

Talking of nominations, someone who looks set to get his form filled in this week is incumbent President Tim Ngwena, who has declared his intentions to run for a second term. But I’ve been doing some digging…

Now OTR loves archives; they tell you all kinds of perhaps forgotten things. Like did you know that the James Treasurer in 2006 was forced to resign after drunkenly getting his todger out at a committee meeting? Or that later in 2006, YUSU were forced to admit that a sex game of “students’ bingo” was a rather bad idea?

More to the point, do you remember Tim telling hustings last year that he wasn’t at all interested in running for two years and that he had a ‘one-year goal’, despite the tough employment climate. No? Perhaps he can’t either. I bet he regrets saying that now. For the record, the three other candidates gave well-orchestrated open answers. You can find the write-up here at 22:10.

Also, while I’m talking Hustings, go re-watch this video of the traditional Presidents quick-fire questions. It’s actually quite funny – especially when Bushby refers to Grant Bradley as ‘Graeme’. Oh, and when he says he wouldn’t eat a badger because “it’s an animal.”

Credits to Matthew Tole and YSTV.

Yep, that’s right, no JCRC Chair has become a YUSU Sabb election since 2007. And the only one who has tried since then is Dave Sharp, who lost to Lewis Bretts last year.

Anyhow, on to the real point of my rhetorical headline – the non-Sabbs.

OTR has hit something of a brick wall here. In fact, bar the Media and RAG (which is a little ironic given current events), my rather limited rumour mill is all out of steam. If anyone out there is collecting non-Sabb rumours for themselves like a bully in the playground, please share some with me.

If not, I’m going to have to spend two weeks dragging the Steve Miller saga out. And that’s only going to please the Vanbrugh Computer Room Crew.

Still, here’s what I’ve got…

Recent press is unfortunate given that this is the week that the campus fundraising machine should be the toast of the town. Still, possible candidates so far include Charlotte Alexander-Marsh and Suzie Dodd – while many suspect RAG week co-ordinators Joanne Clark and Imogen Stevenson might fancy a crack at it when the week comes to a close at the RAG Bash on Saturday.

All four are on the current committee, as is Tom Hobohm, who cast his net around for a running partner earlier this term, OTR has heard, but has seemingly chosen against a run due to his James JCRC commitments.

YUM Chair – which will be elected alongside the other Officers for the first time this year – is currently a two-horse race, OTR understands, between Laura Connor, of Nouse and YSTV, and Chris Young of Nouse. One wonders how that chestnut might play out in the office come production weekend.

Nominations open on Monday.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

In a day of will-they won’t -they, Shergold, who was well fancied by many campus observers, has told OTR that he is not seeking election, choosing instead to focus on his degree and his continued effort with Nouse.

“I’ve thought it over a great deal, and I just don’t think it’s right for me,” a philosophical Shergold told OTR this afternoon. Some say he counted to infinity, twice. Others say that he drinks napalm to cure his heartburn. Either way, the Doctor won’t be flying the black and gold flag come October.

His decision leaves Sam Asfahani and Rob Newton to fight for the position, with Caroline Brown unlikely to actually declare her candidacy. It seems OTR fell for that little joke.

Anyone else want to stir it up a little more today? I’m not sure I can take it.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

Sam, current YUSU Ents Officer and former Alcuin Ents Rep, has been keeping his cards close to his chest until now, and had been well-fancied by many a few weeks back to be eyeing up a run, but has been reluctant to declare according to some, and totally against it according to others.

Which means, with D&S suddenly flavour of the month, Sam will face off against early candidate Dan Walker and former Student Activities shout Chris Etheridge. And there’s still 6 days until nominations open.

Alcuin JCRC has consistently provided strong Union candidates, but bar Rhianna Kinchin’s victory last year, a string of high-profile former members, such as Nadeem Kunwar, Tom Langrish and Ed Durkin – notably losing out in this very race last year from Sam’s current position – have failed to turn JCRC positions into YUSU ones.

Sam will know from Ed’s run last year that Alcuin support alone won’t get him elected – and like Chris will need to make inroads into Dan’s enviable Hes East support. And while Ed was unsuccessful last year, Sam’s Ents background will certainly stand him in good stead in his bid to become the Freshers and Summer Ball Tsar.

In more candidate news, Caroline Brown looks set to run for YorkSport President, squaring off against Adam Shergold and Sam Asfahani in the race to succeed Emily Scott.

OTR isn’t going to lie – it’s not too up to speed with Caroline and her policies and background, but thankfully some helpful commenters have informed me that her sporting prowess is as a tennis player, and in line with her penchant for fancy dress, has done some great work for RAG.

A quick peruse of her Facebook profile tells me that the third-year Vanbrugh Psychology student ticks all the volunteering boxes, with links to RAG, Student Action, Kids Camp and Tenteleni, but doesn’t have a huge amount of sports experience. Perhaps something of a dark horse in the race, but she certainly shouldn’t be written off. Caroline, apologies for overlooking you thus far. I can assure you that OTR loves all candidates.

Finally, thanks to all of you for reading and commenting, your support has seen OTR’s hits soar to top of the pile here on nouse.co.uk. I really appreciate it.

And yes, non-Sabb positions coming soon. Send me your fancied candidates.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

Etheridge’s candidacy change comes just after Student Action Chair Rachel Hesselwood threw her hat into the Student Activities race, bringing the total expected candidates breifly to five.

Currently YUSU Campaigns Officer with Jason Rose, Etheridge was previously set to take on Nick Scarlett, Luke Malkin, Katie Unsworth and Hesselwood, but now looks likely to square off against Walker for Lewis Bretts’ position, with nominations opening a week today.

OTR has heard that Etheridge – after discussions with SA incumbent Rhianna Kinchin – felt his experience was better suited to the demands of D&S. Etheridge, much lauded for his time as treasurer of both York Tories and Politics Society is likely to push his work as Campaigns Officer as strong experience of the inner workings of YUSU, the University, and event organisation.

Hesselwood’s candidacy adds some much-needed oestrogen to the general election landscape, and with her Student Action experience she will certainly have the knowledge to run a strong policy-focused campaign. In terms of taking votes from other candidates, Nick Scarlett will have been expecting strong Student Action support, and Katie Unsworth’s RAG backing might suffer a little. Likewise, Luke Malkin will now have to fight for the Vanbrugh vote. Scarlett and Unsworth, from Halifax and Alcuin respectively, are likely to get a strong boost from their colleges, IMO.

Scarlett’s campaign, run by the veteran election machine Tom Flynn, is off and running already, OTR has learnt, and the man himself told me that it was shaping up to be “lively” – whatever that means. Expect the usual (and, it must be said, successful and coveted) Flynn tactics, I’d imagine.

In other news, a few candidates have spoken to OTR regarding a possible rise in the value of the candidate budget sanctioned by YUSU for campaign spending. Returning Officer Bretts was unable to confirm or deny this rumour, but I reckon any significant increase in permitted spends would be met with resistance by those that would see it as a possible barrier to entry. Maybe someone with influence wants more shiny posters? Watch this space.

And finally, just in case you had sat for hours watching YUSU Officers playing with Elmo and talking about all the exciting things they get to do all day, thinking it would actually be entertaining, here’s the bloopers reel.

There’s still lots of playing with Elmo, but thankfully a lot less talking. And it’s not an Oli Lester special, so the YSTV fun-spongers won’t need to complain to YouTube again. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZu7REB3Vqg

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

Ben Humphrys, incumbent Welfare Officer, has told OTR that he’ll be contesting the 2010 elections, but not for his current position – he’s got his eyes on Academic Officer instead.

It’s an interesting move. OTR hears that while he’s enjoyed the Welfare role, he reckons one-year with the Union doesn’t allow for a huge amount of impact, especially in a brand-new position.

A quick peruse through his election pledges details that his successes with a campus GUM clinic, a reformed Welfare committee, action on rogue landlords and the ill-fated portering campaign give him a generally positive report card for his term thus far. All signs point to a Course Rep-focused campaign, drawing on the need to continue the successes of Charlie Leyland this year.

YUSU-watchers and conspiracy theorists will point at the candidacy of Peter Warner-Medley for Humprhys’ current position and quickly make something out of their close friendship. In truth, Humphrys has made no secret of his support for the current LGBT Officer’s campaign, but that alone won’t get either of them elected.

Indeed, Rory Shanks and Ed Durkin tried to use their closeness as a campaign tool last year, visiting colleges in tandem. Neither were elected – Humprhys and Warner-Medley should take note.

Jason Rose – the only candidate a few days ago – now looks to be up against two candidates that will run very strong campaigns. Humprhys has won over campus already – defeating perennial also-ran Matt Pallas and cult favourite Jenny Coyle last year – and Chemistry BoS Rep. Matt Bailey is well-respected by those who understand the Academic role’s demands.

Certainly, it looks set to be a important job next year, what with tuition fee rises almost inevitable whatever government is formed in May. OTR reckons the candidates’ stance on the cap rise will feature heavily if the race is close.

All we need now are a few more D&S candidates and everyone will be in the same boat; OTR isn’t much of a fan of uncontested victory parades. Might Bretts jump on the incumbent bandwagon too? IMO, this blog probably won’t be his preferred medium through which to announce it…

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

For all Off The Record‘s digging, and a certain YUSU Sabb’s cajoling, there only seem to be male candidates eyeing runs at the other two positions, Academic and Welfare Officer, leaving Unsworth well and truly in the minority. More on that below.

If this is the extent of the candidates, and there are no major surprises emerge in the other four races between now and declaration day, there is a very strong chance that all the 2010/11 Sabbs will be male. Yeah. You read it here first.

Yet, there may be one person to buck this trend. If the gossipers are to believed, soaring through the electoral air with a big girly cape, Women’s Officer Ellie Kuper-Thomas is set to fly the flag for the ladies against Tim, David and the rest of the boys currently scrapping for the top job.

There’s no word from her right now regarding any kind of definitive race, but she’d certainly be sticking to her Women’s Officer commitments if she attempted to emulate Anne-Marie Canning, Ffion Evans, et al. And what’s more, as one of only two females pitching for an officership, she could certainly bank on a sizeable female vote from the more apathetic students on campus.

She’s won cross-campus ballots before, has proven to be a successful Officer this year, and has a good reputation among her fellow Officers this year. OTR reckons that if she did hand in her nomination form, she’d have a very good chance of securing the votes.

That aside, challenges to Peter Warney-Medley’s desire to succeed Ben Humphrys, who held his position of LGBT Officer last year, do not seem to be materialising, though OTR did speak to a would-be female rival who has decided to postpone her YUSU ambitions for a year.

Right now, Academic Officer looks like race between two, three or possibly four male candidates, depending on other races. Jason Rose, borrowing from the David Levene school of timing, declared his candidacy very early, and now looks, if rumours are to be believed, to have been joined by Chemistry student Matt Bailey in the race for Charlie Leyland’s seat. OTR has also heard of a potential challenge from a fourth-year Computer Science student, though he is yet to formally declare any intentions publicly – and some are still betting that potential Presidential candidate Oli Hutchings – a former Economics Board of Studies Rep. – may well yet switch to a bid for Academic Officer.

There’s also rumours of a incumbent switching positions in an attempt to get 12 more months in YUSU Towers, but more on that in the next post.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

I’m still betting he’ll run for Academic Officer, but for what it’s worth, his claim allows me to show you all this gem of an interview, which appeared on YouTube this morning, courtesy of the marvellous Oli Lester:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e0yH8pINSM

There’s a decent chance either – or both – of these men will be running our Union next year.

In other news, I saw some pre-Elections campaign paraphernalia yesterday: stickers for a certain would-be Presidential candidate. They were rather impressive, to be honest, but I wonder what Fairness and Democracy Officer Bretts would think?

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

It’s like celebrity deathmatch, but with real people.

These two heavyweights have, IMO, officially announced their intentions to run for York Sport President in March despite speculation linking them with candidacy for other positions.

Observers both within York Sport and elsewhere had previously suggested that Shergold was likely to run for Academic Affairs Officer, while Asfahani had also been linked with the Academic job as well as Student Activities and Welfare.

I’d bet a certain Mr Rose is somewhat relieved.

While other candidates are likely to emerge, IMO this may well be a two-horse race from now on.

Shergold, a Nouse stalwart, and a popular figure with both YUSU and the majority of sports clubs, was awarded Lifetime York Sport Membership last year, and won a YUM award for his Roses coverage. He’s not on the YS Committee, but might as well be – numerous members of the Committee have told me that his work in publicising results, fixtures and achievements is invaluable. Despite that, the one blotch on his copy-book is his failure to win a seat on the YS Committee last year.

Asfahani, former Langwith JCRC Chair, York Sport Development Officer and Mr American Football, boasts more YUSU experience due to his YS committee position and his JCRC responsibilities on Union Council, and has seen his Centurions go from strength to strength this year.

York Sport, or AU President races so often come down to getting out the club votes. Last year Emily Scott drew on a strong Hockey base and her general popularity amongst York’s clubs to defeat her opponents, and in 2007 Jo Carter derailed a former AU Vice-President’s bid for promotion with a grass-roots campaign targeting sportsmen and women.

This is where the other contenders might be able to spring a surprise, much like Alex Lacy did in 2008, IMO. Rob Newton, Hockey President is apparently lining up for a run at succeeding his predecessor Scott, and Matt Thomas, YUSnow President, certainly would have a strong club backing if the rumours about him deciding not to run are proved false.

York Sport poster-girl and Tournament Secretary Izzy Miller has allegedly decided not to run – a decision that may well be based on the huge amount of work she’ll need to do in organising the upcoming Varsity and Roses tournaments.

It’s a close one to call. Shergold certainly knows more club Presidents, and is a household name with the players that check the Nouse website for results and write-ups. He’ll also strong support from within York Sport itself. But Asfahani has a club at his disposal, has experience at campaigning – and winning – during elections, and would most certainly be able to bank on strong college support from Langwith.

Will Asfahani bring the wood on Shergold? Will Shergold’s pen prove mightier than the Centurion’s sword? Was that a pun too far?

Tackle-pads and notebooks aside, right now this is the race to watch.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

Two years on, Dan Walker, former Goodricke JCRC Chair, might well have an even easy ride to the pursestrings of the Union. Perhaps Democracy and Services is a little less sexy than Services and Finance; or perhaps Lewis Bretts is a little less sexy than Matt Burton – who was also Goodricke Chair before joining the Union. Maybe Dan has the ‘Don’t even think about it’ factor that saw potential rivals to Charlie Leyland last year run and hide; or maybe other candidates feel a late entrance will stand them in good stead. Well, that certainly worked for Charles Bushby, didn’t it.

IMO, Dan seems pretty well placed for the job. He had the unenvious task of leading the first students on to Heslington East, and by all accounts did a very good job. That could prove very important in March for all positions, as the majority of candidates will, IMO, fail to dedicate enough time to the somewhat remote location. He also oversaw the 40th Birthday Celebrations of the college last year, and as Nouse reported in June, Goodricke were one of the colleges in the most healthy financial situation.

However, uncontested elections are rare at a Union level, and chances are that someone will emerge to at least attempt to challenge Dan’s election, IMO. Someone other than the looming threat of RON, of course. That said, Dan won a very tight Goodricke election back in late 2008, so shouldn’t be too worried about a need to get out the vote, IMO.

On another note, the will-he-won’t-he Steve Miller saga – or should that be spoof? – gathers pace. People I spoke to yesterday who are close to Steve, and admitted they had posted the comments declaring his intentions on this blog, said they “think he won’t run, but knows he’d win if he did.”

One person who has full faith is former Derwent Chair Oli Lester, who hopes to inspire Steve with this:

We wait and see.

Gossip and rumours to elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

I’m most interested by the (potentially innocent) campaign to get Steve Miller elected as President. IMO, no-one really knows if Steve actually wants to run, but it’s clear that if he was to chose to do so, he’d be a strong candidate: outside the YUSU clique, nicely exposed by York Come Dancing, a trusted public figure at the head of Doorsafe, and able to draw on a large network of friends and supporters. Don’t hold your breath though.

Moving on… Student Activities grew out of Socs and Comms and Student Development last year, and saw a returning incumbent Officer rejected by the electorate. Looking for votes this year, in my opinion, are 5 candidates, with varied CVs.

Luke Malkin, who must have had candidacy on his mind when he became the face of this year’s York Come Dancing, has been pretty clear with his intentions. He seems to have been the guest on every URY show this week, and – I think – is performing in Fusion in Week 8, just before voting opens. If some candidates are kicking themselves for not signing up for the dancing extravaganza last term to boost their name recognition, I reckon they’ll be even more annoyed to see rivals lit up on stage that weekend. He’s got a great smile. And he can dance.

Someone else who can dance is York Hornets President Hannah Barwick-Walters, who has, by all accounts, decided her YUSU race will be for Student Activities and not YorkSport President, where some had all but pencilled her in. She’ll be guaranteed an enthusiastic and dedicated campaign team, and if she can work the Hornets into it without stepping on any regulatory toes, IMO stands a very strong chance. And hey, if she can keep a team of cheerleaders in check, a plethora of Society Chairs should be a doddle.

Most people I spoke to earlier this term reckoned Chris Etheridge was lining up a run at Academic Officer, but he is apparently resolute about his candidacy for Student Activities. The current Campaign Officer has apparently already started talking to the important committees that the Officer needs to liaise with, and in my opinion will run on a strong RAG-related ticket in comparison to the incumbents weakness in that area this year. IMO, he’ll need to work hard to push his policies over the personality of his potential rivals.

Nick Scarlett is someone who needs no lessons in RAG matters – but will certainly benefit from a cult following, in my opinion. He’s currently Charities Liaison Officer, and so is well-versed in the technicalities and difficulties that bureaucracy at the Union level can pose. IMO he’ll make the most of his Cheesy Pop Soc connections, and will almost certainly benefit from the campaign support and leadership of election veteran Tom Flynn, who masterminded Lewis Bretts’s victory last year. Right now, I’d say he’s the strongest potential candidate.

Katie Unsworth is something of an unknown across campus, IMO, but can draw on her Alcuin RAG Rep experience and – I hear – her friendship with incumbent Rhianna Kinchin to draw up a successful campaign. Certainly not one to write off. Maybe the red paint will get dusted off and the Special K tactic will re-emerge. IMO, that and Brett’s now-infamous Fruit and Veg campaign were the most impressive election schemes last year.

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

But superfluous it is; just in case you thought everything on here would be gospel. I hope we’re all on the same (opinionated) page now.

Talking of gospel, it seems IMO (Can I get away with that? I wait and see) that the allegation posted by Off The Record on Sunday regarding Tim’s candidacy is all truth. He’s approached a number of my sources regarding the running of his campaign, so IMO we can take that as a big go-ahead.

David Levene has told me that he’s only going for the Presidential position, contrary to my opinion that he might look elsewhere if faced with a tough race. IMO the two comments from Ollie Hutchings yesterday look like he’s definitely gearing up for a campaign. IMO three varied candidates there.

IMO the purpose of this blog is to get people interested in the elections, so as to maximise the chance for students to engage with the candidates, and campaign fortnight itself, and should hopefully boost attendance at Hustings and other events that formerly attracted only, IMO, the YUSU hard-liners and friends of candidates. If anything, this blog – IMO – will increase voter participation, and not the opposite, as some have suggested.

More rumours to come tonight; D&S and Student Activities, where lots of candidates seem to be taking tentative campaign steps in recent days, in my opinion. IMO, it’s looking like a potential 5-horse race for Student Activities, and a 3-horse race for D&S.

In terms of the incumbents, Lewis Bretts can’t re-run at the moment, as he’s slated to be the Returning Officer, but Matt Burton was in this position two years ago before giving Anne Marie Canning that role at the last minute and handing in his nomination form. Who knows. Rhianna Kinchin could re-run, but in my opinion, and according to most people, she’s not looking for another year at the desk.

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

If my basic YUSU history is up to scratch, Tim – who beat Tom Langrish by 1308 to 1190 votes last year – would be the first YUSU President to serve two terms if he won in March.

I would assume Tim’s pursuing a second term in order to bolster his CV. Most people Off The Record spoke to tonight guessed that was it – I certainly haven’t seen him shown any real desire to re-run thus far, and by all accounts I don’t think he’s hugely in love with the job.

Incumbents running for second terms is a rather new phenomenon. Matt Burton ran in 2008 and won, though his stewardship of the Courtyard Project meant many potential challengers chose to run for other positions instead. Rory Shanks tried to follow suit in 2009, but failed against a far more populist candidate in Rhianna Kinchin, and in my opinion Tim would need to ignore the vast majority of his YUSU duties during campaign fortnight (something Rory honourably did not do) to beat a similar challenge.

Charlie Leyland also ran in 2009 for a second term, won with flying colours, and if she could run this year, I’m sure she’d prove victorious again. John Major put paid to that.

One thing is for sure – the other candidates lining up for a run at the Presidency will be taking note. David Levene, Chair of YUSU Council and I think – prior to Tim’s potential candidacy – the most qualified of those interested, has been clear of his intentions for months now, but many think he wants a desk in the office more than he wants the President’s job – so might settle for something else if he’s unwilling to take on an incumbent. Academic Officer is most likely.

Then there’s Matthew Freckleton, who has been cagey about people knowing of his intentions, but would certainly benefit from enhancing his exposure to the general campus. One assumes he’ll run regardless of Tim, however. I hear he has a video campaign set up already.

Ollie Hutchings and Roberto Powell, Alcuin and Halifax Chairs respectively, are yet to make concrete decisions, if most sources are to be believed, though of the two Powell is perhaps most likely to run at the moment. Hutchings has been vocal with his criticism of Uni and Union bureaucracy, and one wonders if he could stomach 12 months in the job. My bet is that he’ll run if he thinks the alternatives aren’t up to scratch.

And Dan Hunter – a name that’s been bandied about by some – is apparently considering a run as a joke candidate, to complete the pack thus far.

Please do let me know if I’ve missed anyone.

elections@nouse.co.uk

The opinions expressed above are not representative of either those of Nouse, or of YUSU. They are the speculations and personal views of the author who is not a member of the editorial team, and should be treated as such.

A year ago, Tim Ngwena was running around organising cast lists and fundraisers for Fusion, Rhianna Kinchin was busy ‘training’, and Lewis Bretts’ dream of a fruit and veg stall were simply dreams. Alas, in the latter’s case, they still seem to be. Two years ago, Tom Scott was just a nerd with a pirate fetish, who enjoyed experimenting with damaging musical instruments and cared little for University Senate. Perhaps next year’s Glorious Leader is currently doing something similarly hilarious.

Welcome to the new, elections-focused, Off The Record blog. Unshackled from my Editorial chains and yet still refusing to quietly skulk back to my desk and the ever-growing mountain of books that await me, my aim is to chart all the rumours, counter-rumours, scandals and surprises from the 2010 YUSU Election cycle, and hopefully equip voters with all they need to go to the polls in Week 9.

This is all too early, you may scoff. Quite – I’d certainly agree with you. But I can’t control Presidential hopefuls who are already buttonholing potential rivals for ‘chats’ in The Courtyard, or warn would-be AU Presidents that broadcasting their electability so soon might bore the electorate to death come March.

For some, this year’s vote has been 3 years in the pipeline. YUSU careerists, those earth-shakingly-boring few, want to nail their colours to the mast as soon as possible, having dreamt of the trappings of office since their first trip to the buliding they hope to call ‘home’. Out to derail their lofty ambitions, the have-a-go-heroes with nothing to lose and a student loan to pay off fight policy with glossy posters and gimmicks.
Some fail valiantly, some fail abysmally, and some defy conventional wisdom. Note to candidates – claiming that you’re rich enough not to need a salary is an awful idea.

For the next 6 weeks or so, this will be the place to track the rise and rise of your next YUSU squad, and commend the also-rans.

Got a rumour, or want to plug yourself? Fire me an email at elections@nouse.co.uk and it might just make it in.

Some might seem far-fetched, but let’s face it; if students at a Top 10 University can elect a pirate as a President, surely anything can happen. Stay tuned.

YUSU Elections – Provisional timetable

Information Meeting for Potential Candidates – 1800 18th February (Wk 6)
Nominations Open – 1200 Monday 15th February (Wk 6)
Nominations Close – 1200 Friday 26th February (Wk 7)
Compulsory Candidates Briefing (Loc. TBC) – 1800 Monday 1st March (Wk 8 )
Campaigning Begins – 1200 Tuesday 2nd March (Wk 8 )
Voting Opens – 0001 Monday 8th March (Wk 9)
Voting Closes – 2359 Friday 12th March (Wk 9)
Exit Polls Released – 1800 Saturday 13th March
Results Announced from 2000 Saturday 13th March

Have the public just assumed that illegal means are commonplace in modern tabloid journalism? Is there, perhaps a darker side – do readers enjoy Sunday morning exposures of John Prescott’s new ‘lady-friend’ too much to condemn the practices involved in sourcing such attractive tripe? Or are we all just to preoccupied by Jackson’s supposed homosexuality or Swine Flu hysteria?

I loved the story. It was nice to see a quality paper, with an investigative front page, score a body blow against one of the Kerry Katona-loving tabloids. We’ll have to see what happens when Coulson and Wade go up in front of the select committee to testify. How hacks across the country – especially those working for doomed local titles – would love to see Murdoch up there with them.

Moreover, it got me thinking about our campus press at York, and how it operates. Now I’m pretty sure that none of campus’ journalists engage in illegal practices to source stories, and the reason is simple: we don’t need to. The stories and leads that come from those in the know not being able to keep their mouths shut make up the vast majority of articles in Nouse and Vision‘s news sections, and to a certain extent – though less so in recent times – EasyNews‘s online articles.

Campus hacks don’t need to snoop around YUSU officers, or break into society chair inboxes. Freedom of Information requests or hours spent trawling through committee minutes are rare – and when used only ever target the University. There’s just no need, when sensitive information is broadcast so liberally by those trusted with it. With journalists in every year and every college, plus large number of eavesdroppers who love to think of themselves as campus deepthroats, big mouths make big news.

This brings me quite neatly around to the large debate surrounding our page three article in the last edition surrounding the recent ISA elections. The story, I remember during Production Week, was a murky one – and I struggled to get my head around it at first. Until – after some great work by Jim Bulley – some people involved in the election furore came forward to spill the beans to an eager dictaphone.

My answer to the commenters – many of whom are friends and/or colleagues of Adam Malik’s – who have so quickly rushed forward to lambast this newspaper for its reporting, is that no newspaper worth its salt would ever run a story without quotes from both sides. I wonder if those calling for Nouse to reveal its sources – something the YUSU Media Charter and PPC Guidelines prohibit – have ever been anonymously quoted in the press?

Are the campus press always right? No. Do they only ever use what campus gives them? Yes. It’s simple really, if you want to stay out of the press, keep your mouth shut. Only when all of campus’ chatterboxes and loudmouths adopt a vow of silence will the voicemail hacking begin. And then you’ll really be in trouble.

Stacks of papers ready to go up in a blaze, cables just waiting for an unsuspecting leg to wrap around, powerleads triple-stacked and – of course – the evil Mr A. lurking behind the ceiling tiles.

The proverbial book is being thrown at us. And, while Nouse and Vision quietly and carefully duck and dodge the metaphorical projectiles, YSTV took it straight in the face.

Social Sec Anna Bucks, before she ran from the asbestos-riddled dangerzone, arms flailing, emailed:

“YSTV can NOT be accessed until further notice. The officials are inspecting the asbestos at this precise moment, and if they find it present in YSTV, YSTV will need to be closed for the next few weeks until it has been dealt with. Once they have finished inspecting YSTV, they are going to give me a ring to let me know what’s going on. Until then please don’t enter YSTV.”

In case you missed the point, she was referring to YSTV, which, in case you read it literally, was not actually exploding. Minutes later, however, Bucks threw some water on the non-existent fire:

“Further to my email, we are now allowed to enter YSTV again. They haven’t found anything, however we need to be very aware of what we can and can’t do. I assume Tom will sort this out regarding drilling stuff in to walls etc. Apologies for the scare mongering”

So, the end is not necessarily nigh just yet. But it might be around the corner. According to official emails, if Tom Gregory and his TV-producing chums don’t stop nailing things into the asbestos-riddled walls and throw out some of what Peter Kidd calls ‘clutter’ – and YSTV call ‘necessary technical equipment’ – it might be curtains after week 10.

And no-one wants that, especially The Yorker’s Come Dine With Me – or should it be renamed ‘Come Dine with WHO?’ – which YSTV (and Nouse Officers as cameramen) counter to Vision’s claims, are currently filming. Allegedly, however, it won’t be finished until after week 10. Which, assuming The Yorker’s normal summer sabbatical, means it won’t be screened until next term. Ouch.

In 2007, only Nouse provided round-the-clock coverage of the event, while in 2008 crack teams from both Nouse and EasyNews made the trip across the Pennines to cover the event in real-time. This year, Vision Online will complete the triplet. OR WILL THEY…?

As I type, Grant Bradley – YUSU Presidential also-ran and X-Factor wannabee – is in the Vision office across the corridor with Editor Mike Regan (who told me today that he “probably will not run for Editorship again” – leaving the door open for Pearse and Hewitt, one imagines) putting the finishing touches to their Beta site.

Bradley, however, admitted his worries to OTR about the timeframe involved in switching the domain name www.yorkvision.co.uk from YUSU to Vision. Without the domain, the site will either have to run from grantbradley.co.uk – where it currently resides – or not at all.

Grant didn’t look too positive as Webmeister Northwood explained their rather precarious time situation. Nouse.co.uk will be live from 0930 with a brand-spanking blog system that will blow your mind. No refreshing needed. It’s wonderfully sexy.

The Official Roses 09 site has accidentally gone live as well – a couple of hours early. Looking good. Let’s hope the York side of the cup fills up first.

Let the blogging commence…