Ted Yip has been elected President of the Cambridge Union for Lent Term 2027, after securing 59 votes to Freddie Bishop’s 33.

The rest of the results for this term’s standing committee elections have also been announced. Jake Hopkins was elected Debates Officer, receiving 86 votes, while Ethan Lee won the contested election for Speakers Officer with 52 votes. Giancarlo Mempouo was elected Social Events Officer, securing 70 votes.

Voting was open to all members of the Union, and took place in the Union building on Tuesday (16/06) and Wednesday (17/06). Hustings for all elected positions were held on Monday (15/07), and results were announced on Wednesday evening.

Yip, a second-year HSPS student at Christ’s and the current Debates Officer, emphasised “Debates, Speakers, Social Events, Transparency, Welfare Reforms and a Cultural Reset” in his campaign. He said he would maintain “debates that are contemporarily relevant, diverse, and thought-provoking,” establish a priority system for speakers, and work with cultural societies on social events.

Yip also pledged to make elections and appointments more transparent, to ensure that welfare is discreet and accessible, and to improve the position of Equalities Officer.

Bishop, a second-year history and politics student at Newnham and the Speakers Officer for this term, ran on a platform of “putting you back in the Union”. Her proposed policies included making welfare accessible to members, improving the organisation of committees, and simplifying the process of applying for roles.

Bishop also sought to increase the number of people invited to the Union from the Global South, and emphasised the importance of “integration of diverse representation across Speakers, Debates and Soc Ents”.

During hustings, both candidates were asked about their leadership style. Bishop said she “leads with organisation, and letting people know when they can expect things,” citing her experience on committee as proof of her ability to deliver. Yip said his style was “one of humility and transparency,” and that he would balance trusting those he works with alongside retaining his own vision.

Hopkins, a first-year natural sciences student at Sidney Sussex, ran unopposed for Debates Officer. His campaign focused on “Real Debates,” “Putting Members First,” “Lower Barriers,” and “Higher Transparency”. He promised to invite speakers with distinct views for every debate of term, and suggested motions including “This House Believes the NHS is a 20th Century Relic”.

Hopkins also pledged to continue a guaranteed student speaker slot on both sides of each debate – a policy that is set to be enacted by the Debates Officer-elect, Anusha Salhan – and to improve the application process for student speakers.

When asked by audience members what his decision-making framework would be for inviting or rejecting controversial speakers, Hopkins suggested that the Union look to Oxford as a warning about the importance of balancing free speech with a commitment to debates in good faith.

The role of Speakers Officer was contested by Carter Kennedy, a first-year King’s HSPS student, and Lee, a first-year HSPS student at Hughes Hall, who also ran for the position last term against Ben Pearce.

Lee’s campaign this term centred around “Connecting, Communicating, and Continuity for You”. He promised speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries, opportunities for students to meet and speak with them, the use of feedback forms, and to work closely with other University societies.

Lee also committed to improving the Union’s “institutional memory” by creating a “speaker correspondence,” where speakers unable to attend one term can be offered the opportunity to attend the Union under a different Speakers Officer.

Kennedy’s policies focused on “Boldness in Speakers, a Careers Panel Series and Diverse Voices”. He emphasised the potential of the University’s extensive alumni network to improve the Union’s speakers lineup, as opposed to Union committee members current approach of “cold e-mailing”.

The candidates were asked whether they believed speaker events require different criteria for inviting controversial speakers than debates. Kennedy acknowledged that speaker events involve less pushback than debates, although they can still include criticism. Lee argued that the Union should take a more mindful approach, citing the decision to interview a Russian opposition speaker, which attracted controversy but was balanced by inviting a Ukrainian politician the following week.

Mempouo, a first-year law student at Jesus, ran unopposed to be Social Events Officer. He highlighted the importance of a balance between free, open, paid, and ticketed events, and of ensuring both affordable and professional opportunities. He pledged to work with the wider University and to build off of events such as the ‘Performative Male Contest’ by “look[ing] for trends we can capitalise on”. His proposed events include a Union ‘Take Me Out’, a pancake-eating competition, and discussion nights.