Why are you running for SU President?
I’m running for SU president because of the brutal cuts that have hit Cardiff University. As a student activist and a socialist, I think the way to stop these cuts is through linking up with the trade unions and students, and as SU president, I would be at the forefront fighting for your courses and your education! I have strong ties with the trade union movement that will allow me to get everyone to continually push back against these cuts until we win, as this issue can only be won through mass movements, not individuals fighting for change.
If elected, what do you intend to keep the same?
I think there is a lot that I would not change but rather add onto or expand. One such thing is the showcases in the SU do a brilliant job at bringing together societies and people alike. I would want to keep them the same, though I would be more than happy to expand them if the need arises! The student services, such as IT support is something I would not change, but rather expand so that more people can connect to eduroam easier!
If elected, what do you intend to change?
My three main campaign points are to fight back against the cuts, put more money in your pockets, and further democratize the SU. One such change I would enact to follow these three points is to expand the Feed Your Flats scheme. Currently, it is good but inconsistent. I want to make the scheme a permanent or semi-permanent fixture, with a regular schedule so everyone can benefit from the scheme at a time where the cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone hard. Other things I would change is to improve student housing through making sure that student housing is easier to navigate, through working with ACORN and improving the communication with students about what traps to look out for and how to fight for your rights if your landlord/letting agency is not playing ball.
In what ways has your time at university influenced your platform in this election?
I’ve been a student representative, president and treasurer of the Socialist Students campaign, and been involved with various groups on campus fighting for students. This breadth of experiences has allowed me to tap into the student body and understand what they want to change. I also know a lot of people who are involved with causes that I am not in, and I have used what they have been demanding for to guide my manifesto.
When did you decide to run for the position?
I decided to run in response to these cuts, to show our VC and University Executive Board that the student body cares about these cuts and won’t let them get away with it! I’ve been fighting on the outside for student change, and with the cuts being announced, I decided to fight on the inside instead.