Strathclyde student executive set to back new candidate ahead of elections

Student officers at the University of Strathclyde Students' Association (USSA) are preparing to throw their weight behind a new candidate for president ahead of elections next week after one of the front-runners pulled out of the race.

The Journal understands discussions between current USSA leader Charandeep Singh and his fellow five full-time sabbaticals are set to take place prior to polls opening on Monday morning at 9am.

The move comes after vice president (VP) for services, Cat Morton, opted earlier this week to remove her name from the ballot paper, paving the way for a four-horse race between Malcolm Moir, Nadia Ness, Graeme Sloan and Ben Wray for the top post.

Members of the USSA executive team had prepared to publicly back Morton for the role following close of nominations on February 29, albeit have remained tight-lipped since her departure from the upcoming contest four days ago.

Elections for the roles of president, VP activities and development, VP education, VP diversity and advocacy, and VP sports and wellbeing – all of which carry a salary of over £17,000 – will take place Monday and Tuesday of next week via the University's Pegasus portal, while three part-time voluntary unpaid positions are up for grabs, the remaining three failing to see any student put their name forward.

Candidates gathered at the Students' Association last night for a question time session ahead of polls opening, though the room was largely comprised of supporters of students standing, leaving a large amount of uncertainty over who could come out on top.

A full list of candidates can be found below with full manifestos available via the USSA website.

Full-time sabbatical positions

President

Malcolm Moir

Nadia Ness

Graeme Sloan

Ben Wray

Vice president activities and development

Kwaku Adjei

Jodie Campbell

Ryan Cassidy

Keri McGachy

Peter McLoughlin

Vice president education

Imran Abbasi

James Ferns

Rebecca Maxwell Stuart

Vice president diversity and advocacy

Dominique Ucbas

Vice president sports and wellbeing

Colin Evans