Counsell elected Union President

President-elect pledges shift to an "open, diverse, and socially-responsible" Union

Second-year Sidney Sussex student James Counsell has been elected President of the Cambridge Union for Michaelmas 2010.

Counsell, who had been the Executive Officer of the Union during Lent term, faced stiff competition from Anna Harper and James Wakeley, with Counsell leading in the first round (post-dock) with 290 votes to Harper’s 158 and Wakeley’s 168.

In the third round, Counsell also led significantly, gaining 351 votes to Wakeley’s 219 votes.

Manifestos from all three Presidential candidates promised to continue to deliver diverse and first-class speakers along with controversial motions.

Counsell, however, also pledged to focus on Green issues, stating that the Union building is currently not as environmentally-friendly as it could be and that the money that is being wasted as a result could be put towards securing even better speakers.

Encouraging Union participation from groups traditionally under-represented at the Union is also high on Counsell’s agenda, stating on his manifesto that “wealth should never be allowed to influence our membership.’

Andrew Chapman, who will be President of the Union for Easter term, stated that he is anticipating “another very successful term. The biggest challenge I see at the moment is keeping attendance levels up with the pressures of exams preying on everybody’s minds.”

Speaking to Varsity, Counsell revealed how excited he is about having the chance to lead Cambridge University’s largest society, stating that “the Union has a genuine buzz about it, with huge numbers flocking to contribute to its success.”

He added, “This election signals a final confirmation of the shift to an open, diverse and socially responsible Union Society, and I'm elated to be a part of that transformation.”