February 7, 2012

Well readers, if you’re looking for a bloody battle this election season, it looks like the realm of student activities shall provide generously. Always a contentious position, this looks to be York’s answer to the Republican nomination contest, only with fewer sexual misdemeanors and better policies; here’s hoping anyway.

In an unusual turn of events, this looks to be the year of the media maestros stepping into the ring. Whilst us campus media types are usually content to serve as harsh critics from the sidelines of student politics , rather than get our hands dirty, this set of rumoured candidates could break the mould.

Ex-Deputy Station Manager and current treasurer of URY, Helen Marrison, is apparently putting her name forward for the role, keen to swap the Vanbrugh paradise shed for the glossier offices of James. Indeed, her recently adopted position as chair of the Student Development Assembly makes it seems all the more likely she will declare her candidacy.

An outside to the YUSU clique, and with a wealth of media society experience, Marrison could definitely bring some interesting policies to the table. In any case, TR is definitely not adverse to having a media- sympathetic ear on the ticket.

But the might of the media looks to be divided, with ex-Nouse sub-editor, and YUSU volunteering officer Hannah Brearley also with her eyes on the prize. Her breadth of volunteering involvement, as well as her closeness to the current Sabb team could bring in the votes and having won two YUSU elections in a row, she is no stranger to winning over the student masses.

Supposedly throwing some muscle into the mix is last years Vanbrugh press and publicity rep Chris West. Involved in Rugby and Badminton, it certainly gives him a strong voting base from those who haunt the Ziggy’s basement of a Wednesday evening. With Kallum Taylor already making his election ambitions clear, could this be the year of dual Vanbrugh victory?

And finally, TR has a sneaking suspician that RAG officer Baxter Willis will emerge as another nominee for the activities crown. Willis is a familiar face around both the YUSU offices and campus in general, and has an impressive record as RAG officer that includes bringing the first ever ice rink to campus. But will this be enough to skate him to success?

Never one to ignore a tip-off, TR has also heard wild rumour that YUM chair Jaime Riley is putting her name in the game, though the same source reported that ex Vision Editor Dan Goddard was also considering the YUSU presidency. Doubtful? Yes indeed, but it certainly would be one for the history books. Stay tuned- TR most certainly will be.

Well that’s enough rhetorical questions for one day. With student activities looking to be the battle of the BNOCs, candidates are going to have to rely on more than a cult of personality to guarantee election victory. Remember folks, policies are where the power lies.

Know something TR doesn’t? Keep your rumours, tip-offs and insults coming to elections@nouse.co.uk.

21 comments

February 5, 2012

Well, in a surprising turn of events, it looks like this year the words of 90s musical legend Aaliyah are to become the unofficial motto of this year’s YUSU nominees. With Ben McGladdery already subscribing to the “if at first you don’t succeed/ pick yourself up and try again” school of thought, TR is now privy to the information that Peter Warner Medley, two years after his unsuccessful bid for Welfare Officer, is now gunning for the President throne. Never has such dedication to YUSU been shown since Chris Etheridge ran in 4 successive elections- and we all know how that ended…

English Course rep and Faculty rep Zahra Latif is also thought to be considering putting her name in for the Presidential Race. Whilst her areas of expertise may lie more in the realm of Academic Officer, she has proved popular and efficient, and was voted Course Rep of the year at York’s answer to the Oscars, the YUSU awards, so could bring a little outside perspective to this year’s race. Her candidacy would also beef up the female numbers for what has been a noticeably male-dominated position over the last 4 years; as TR recently noted, there hasn’t been female President since the outspoken Ann Marie-Canning in 2007/8. Will Latif or Wayland show the men how it’s done?

And is there any foundation to the whispers of Tim Ellis considering re-running? TR has only heard speculation, though as history tells us the allure of office has proved difficult to resist. Certainly if he chose to run it would be a blow to the other ambitious nominees, for, as Humphreys, Asfahani and Ngwena have all proved it is something of a golden ticket. But has Ellis done enough to win over the student electorate for a send year running? From TR’s perspective, verdict is out on all counts.

Know something The Race doesn’t? Want to get your name in the game? Keep the rumour mill running, and send all your election tips to elections@nouse.co.uk.

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January 31, 2012

Welcome back to The Race, reborn and revitalised in all its controversial and gossip-mongering glory. Some may even call it the Phoenix of all blogs, rising again from the ashes of YUSU censorship – nothing like a pretentious analogy to get our election juices flowing.

Relinquished from the burdens of editorship, I have chosen to shrug off my admittedly feeble cloak of anonymity this year. TR is here to fuel the fire of election rumours, give you all the unofficial dirt on the candidates and put the cat among the pigeons with a few rogue names now and then, just to keep you all on your toes.

I have no agenda, no alliances and am surprisingly difficult to bribe. If you are a boring candidate I will say so. If you are an innovative candidate I will say so. And if you are the owner of a T-shirt that says “tonight Matthew, I’m going to be wasted” I will say that as well. Politics is a dirty business, so who knows what sordid tactics will come into play this year?

It may be early days, but the race for President looks to be hotting up already. The inevitable wrestling match between college chairs has already become apparent, with Vanbrugh Chair Kallum Taylor, and Goodricke Chair Nacho Hernando both rallying for the throne. Will Taylor’s Scouse charms be enough to dampen down the fiery Spaniard? History shows us that Goodricke can carry even the underdogs to power, with Dan Walker and Tim Ellis case in point, but Vanbrugh is certainly a force to be reckoned with. TR can only recommended you watch this space.

Women’s Officer and former Labour Club Chair Cat Weyland has also apparently thrown her name into the ring, which certainly makes a nice change to the testosterone-fuelled team of this year. Having been very outspoken on issues of tuition fees and university arms investment over the last year, she could certainly give the boys a run for their money.

Word on the street last year was that Union Chair, and former campaigns Officer, Luke Sandford had his eyes on the Presidential prize, though TR has since heard otherwise. Similarly with Andreas Gabrielsen, current YUSU campaigns Officer, who last year hinted at his ambition for the top office, though has been keeping quiet of late. Retaining an air of mystery, or simply lost interest altogether? As TR’s favourite phrase goes, only time will tell.

Points for persistence can only go to Ben McGladdery, last years York Sport hopeful who lost by a landslide yet whose thirst for sporting supremacy has yet to be quenched, and who has boldly put his name in the running. Yet he may have to step up his game from 2011′s Scooby-Doo strategy, for he faces tough competition from popular fellow York Sport Committee member Charlotte Winter. Can badminton beat netball? Can anyone bear two years of election shame? Is that one rhetorical question too far? In any case, it looks to be a game of two halves, and not everyone is a winner.

That’s enough election talk for one day ladies and gents. TR has plenty more up its sleeve, so keep your eyes and ears peeled. Nominations open on the 30th January and close on the 9th, so there is still time to throw your name in the ring and hide from unemployment for one more glorious year.

Heard something TR hasn’t? Send all your election rumours, scandals and general gossip to elections@nouse.co.uk

20 comments

February 2, 2011

With nominations having been open over a week, TR has noted that election fever has yet to gather any real sense of momentum. Hence, to liven things up a little as we speculate on the runners and riders for the role of York Sport President, TR plans to drop in as many sporting clichés as possible. So which individuals can we expect to see sparring for the role?

In the grand old tradition of at least one incumbent re-running, TR can confirm that Sam Asfahani, York Sport President, is to seek a second term. This may not come as much of a surprise to most, with his well-decorated corner of the YUSU office looking a lot cosier that the harsh climates of graduate unemployment that may await. Everything he has done since his election has been with a view to the future; it only makes sense that he will want to see the new York Sport village, that he will want to pass on the baton of Roses rugby at the York Knights stadium and that he will want to be in charge as the White Rose Varsity makes its debut.

As Ngwena proved last year, and Leyland the year before that, the election fight as an incumbent is a considerably easier battle, and it is hard to deny the smart money is on Asfahani.

But as TR likes to say, pride comes before a fall, and complacency is never an election-winning strategy. Asfahani is rumoured to be facing some feisty female competition from Netball President Kate Copson, who has two years excellent experience in the York Sport Committee and may choose to have a punt at the role, while her Hockey counterpart Laura Pepper could also decide to chance her arm. TR suspects that their involvement with York Sport already will mean they leave it to Asfahani, but who can say until the race has been run?

Another name to throw into the ring is Badminton President Ben McGladdery. McGladdery doesn’t have the same York Sport experience of Copson and Pepper but he would be able to count on the sizeable support of the badminton club, and he could make a late surge from the back of field to take the prize. It is, after all, a game of two halves.

There is always the chance that a complete dark horse/long-shot/underdog (take your pick there) could steal a march on the others but if the election were to take place tomorrow the odds on Asfahani facing competition from only McGladdery would be short. TR, for one, would definitely have a flutter.

Want a piece of the action? Email us all you rumours and speculations 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, or authors, who will remain anonymous. Please direct any complaints or issues to editor@nouse.co.uk or the Returning Officer Dan Walker at d.walker@yusu.org. If you have any welfare concerns relating to the content, please contact l.borisovaite@yusu.org. The editor will take full responsibility for all content posted on this blog.

7 comments

January 29, 2011

The crusade continues and the race, it seems, is hotting up. TR takes great pleasure in announcing that man-about-campus Chris Etheridge has confirmed he is to take to the campaign stage for the fourth year in a row, this time to bear the mantle of Student Activities. Apparently the “temptation” of the campaign race is too much for him to resist, though this year he intends embrace a more satirical line of campaigning, taking more inspiration from the enigmatic Dave Hansen school of electioneering than his more somber approach of years past.

Whether the joke will fall flat on its face, we can but wait, though word on the street is that York’s answer to Alan Sugar and last years Presidential hopeful , Matthew Freckelton is to head his campaign. Will they succeed together what they failed to do apart? TR remains intrigued.

Tough competition will almost definitely come from James Croydon, current joint Rag rep with Jonathan Hare, who has made no attempts to disguise his ambitions to run for Student Activities. His campaign may take a more theatrical approach this year, with previous URY station-director Oliver Julian, and drama bigwig Josh Fisher rumoured to be managing his campaign. TR can also confirm that a certain insider within YUSU has hinted heavily at his success, should he run. We may well get a slap on the wrist from YUSU for reporting this, but for once, this could be a race well worth watching.

The potential Presidential pundits are still holding themselves back it seems, though TR can confirm that current Chair of Union Council Charlie Rowley definitely has his eyes on the prize. We also have sources that claim that last years campaign puppet master Jim Bulley may be resuming his role for Rowley; an interesting twist to the tale.

Nonetheless, he could find himself up against former Goodricke Chair Tim Ellis, who is looking increasingly likely to emulate his predecessor Walker in running for higher office. Not so involved in the YUSU clique as Blundell and Rowley, he could be an interesting candidate to keep an eye on.

TR is frankly disappointed that the current Presidential candidates have yet to break away from college chairs/ YUSU insiders stereotype – nothing like a wildcard candidate to spice up a dull January, though it is early days yet.

Lastly, TR has noted several interesting posters up around campus today , asking you to “Vote For Campaigners. Not for another batch of people-pleasing socialites who‘ll cave in every time Hes Hall cuts back services and raises costs”. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Keep the gossip-mongering and sneaky electioneering coming 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, or authors, who will remain anonymous. Please direct any complaints or issues to editor@nouse.co.uk or the Returning Officer Dan Walker at d.walker@yusu.org. If you have any welfare concerns relating to the content, please contact l.borisovaite@yusu.org. The editor will take full responsibility for all content posted on this blog.

42 comments

January 27, 2011

After a couple of tough, but not unexpected, few days spent battling YUSU for continued survival, we return, slightly shackled but no less enthusiastic, to continue what we started. Rumours are flying, and whether technical difficulties are a good enough excuse to have nominations open two days late or not, TR is eager to get this show on the road.

We begin with those hallowed hunting grounds for student political ambition, JCRCs. College Chairs are notorious for running for Sabbatical positions – they have the experience, yet interestingly aren’t always the winners. Indeed, while Sam Asfahani and Dan Walker made the cut last year, both ex-Alcuin Chair Ollie Hutchings and ex-Halifax Chair Roberto Powell lost the close race for YUSU President.

Surprise, surprise, this year is no different, and with the end of the reign of Ngwena, and no incumbent threat, 2011 could be their time to shine.

We hear from numerous sources that previous Halifax College President, Lydia Blundell’s plans for the Presidency are shaping up as we speak, and the campaign team has apparently even begun to fall into place. With the presidential campaign last year having been an overly testosterone-infused affair, a feminine touch may be no bad thing. The Race originally thought she might go for Student Activities, but seems to have been given a few words of encouragement to shoot for the top.

Last term TR also heard a whisper that last year’s Alcuin Chair Ollie Todd would take a stab to be President, but nothing since. Perhaps Mr. Todd is still mulling it over. Each would certainly have strong College supporter – Halifax has around 970 students on campus, and Alcuin’s got about a steadfast 550. Not bad odds there, though admittedly was not enough to swing it for Hutchings last year and Durkin the year before that.

TR has been seeing Graeme Osborn – ex-Halifax Treasurer/ Course Rep frequently found hanging out in the YUSU office – making his presence known around campus recently. Some are speculating at his taking on fellow Halifaxer Blundell in what could be a feisty Collegiate battle, but his current activities mostly suggests Academic Affairs as his area of expertise. TR may have to find its kicks elsewhere.

A bit further afield, some would-be appropriate rumours are circulating the track about Ben Ward planning to run for Welfare. As Alcuin’s former Welfare Vice-Chair, TR thinks he would be a popular choice, but whether speculation becomes reality has yet to be seen.

For those wanting to run, make it snappy – you’ve only got till the 10th to submit your suitably-coiffed nomination photo. Plans for an extended nomination period went straight down the drain and as a general aside, TR remains less than impressed with the general disorganisation of the elections this year; all those trying to plan the next year of their lives had to wait for a UGM passed, scrapping Democracy & Services just two days before nominations opened.

So the election shambles continue, the rumour mill spins on and the grapevine is heavy. TR can assure you it has plenty more up its sleeve, but for those waiting in the wings, let us know at 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, or authors, who will remain anonymous. Please direct any complaints or issues to editor@nouse.co.uk or the Returning Officer Dan Walker at d.walker@yusu.org. If you have any welfare concerns relating to the content, please contact l.borisovaite@yusu.org. The editor will take full responsibility for all content posted on this blog.

14 comments

January 24, 2011

And so, here we go again. The blog that YUSU and BNOCs alike love to hate has returned in full swing. Under a shiny new guise and with a far more elusive author, The Race will follow the ins and outs of the build up to the inaugural YUSU elections, speculating and solidifying candidate rumours, and tracing the election steps of our future leaders to the bitter end.

How it will all end, TR can only speculate. Should it pass UGM, the surprise scrapping of Democracy and Services position will be something of a bitter pill for those who stuck around another year to re-run for the position (no names mentioned…) and is likely make the competition for Student Activities and Academic officer tighter than ever before. The Sabbs have also chosen to abandon the standard jovial theme of the elections (apparently the presence of Big Bird last year was the cause of much confusion to the student body), choosing instead the overall premise: “What will you stand for?”. Originality has never been their strong suit.

And as for President? With the usual college chairs and society bigwigs already making their move, TR can only hope that a token wildcard candidate emerges from the woodwork to throw the cat among the pigeons.

So let the rule breaking and shamefaced electioneering commence. TR promises to keep the gossiping to a minimum, but to all those hopeful candidates sitting in their badly-heated kitchens, mocking up a manifesto and some brightly coloured posters, we have one plea- keep it interesting. Backbiting and underhand tactics aside, some policies beyond increased water coolers and better hand-washing facilities will make all the difference, and keep the student population engaged longer than the two minutes it takes to join a Facebook group.

If you think you know something TR does not, drop me an email at elections@nouse.co.uk.

Elections Timetable

Nominations open: Monday 24th January 12pm
Campaigning Briefing: Friday 11th February
Hustings: Thursday 17th February
Campaigning opens: Friday 18th February
Voting Opens: Friday 25th February
Voting closes: Thursday 3rd March
Results announced: Thursday 3rd March 8:00pm

Let the race begin.

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 will remain anonymous.

25 comments