With polls open for the next set of Oxford Union elections on Friday, Cherwell spoke to the two candidates running to be President in Hilary 2026. Rosalie Chapman and George Abaraonye spoke about their campaign promises, their dream speakers, and their reasons for running.
Introduce yourself briefly.
Rosalie: I’m Rosalie Chapman, a final year Human Sciences student at Hertford College. I’m also a first-generation university student, a Crankstart Scholar, and an Access Member here at the Oxford Union.
I lost my father when I was 3 which left my mum as the sole breadwinner in my family. Growing up in a single-parent and low-income household, I entered this world of academia feeling like an outsider. But it was in that sense of displacement that I found a purpose – fighting for those who often feel unseen, and fighting against injustice.
Over the years, I’ve poured my energy into the Oxford Union, serving six terms across committees, from Access Committee, Finance Committee to the Governing Body, where I’ve helped create tangible reforms – be it introducing the role of an Anti-Sexual Violence Officer or expanding access membership for postgraduate students.
George: Hey, I’m George – a second year at Univ. Some of you might know me from basketball, hip-hop nights, or just voi’ing about with my headphones on.
I’m not the loudest in the room, but I’ve been putting in the work: serving on Standing, Secretary’s, and Library Committees, and helping make the Union run behind the scenes.
Why are you running for President?
Rosalie: I’m running for President because I believe the Oxford Union has the power to be a more inclusive, dynamic, and transformative space. Through my work over six terms, I’ve seen the potential for this institution to lead on crucial issues, but we need leadership that’s committed to pushing past the status quo.
I’ve worked tirelessly to bring about positive change. I’ve helped arrange nine debates – including on important issues such as Rejoining the EU, Rode v Wade, Euthanasia and on the International Courts. I’ve helped fundraise over two annual Membership Drives, including helping to fundraise £750,000 for the union.
I expanded eligibility criteria for access membership, meaning more students can buy membership at more affordable prices. Most importantly, I want to take the Union into a future where every voice, no matter their background or privilege, has a seat at the table.
George: I’m running independently because I believe this Union can be better – less about politics, more about its members. It’s time to reset the culture: less noise, more focus on delivering great events and building a real sense of community.
All year, we’ve watched debates get derailed, headlines spiral, and members feel pushed out or unsafe. And the truth is, a lot of us have just stopped enjoying it. The Union feels more like an episode of Succession than a student society.
I’m running to get us focused on delivering good events for the members. To rebuild trust, restore balance, and bring some joy back into this space. At the end of the day, the Union offers so much to members, but we seem to focus on the bickering among hacks.
What experience do you have outside the Union?
Rosalie: Beyond the Union, I’ve built a track record of leadership and advocacy. As Vice President of the Oxford Student Union, I represented over 25,000 students, driving welfare reforms and policy changes across the University.
I advised on a University-wide £18 million Supplier Budget and drafted a Responsible Procurement Policy for the University. I also spearheaded the relaunch of the Safe Lodge Scheme, which provides critical support for vulnerable students, particularly women, in need.
Additionally, I’ve overseen a major student women’s campaigns addressing sexual violence. These experiences have shaped my ability to lead, advocate, and manage large-scale projects – skills I would bring to the Presidency of the Union. Importantly, my leadership has always been defined by leading with my heart – pushing me to fight injustice, expand access and platform marginalised voices.
George: As a Crankstart Scholar who grew up on free school meals and spent time in special education units, I know what it’s like to feel like spaces like this weren’t built for you. I feel incredibly privileged to be here, and I want to make sure that opportunity not only exists but feels real for others like me. That means making sure people from similar backgrounds feel safe enough to show up, be seen, and thrive.
Practically, I’ve been President of a music society, Vice President of a cultural society, Welfare Officer at University College (YEA UNIV), Events Officer for ArabSoc, and Co-Chair of CRAE. I’ve performed in a student production, helped organise college balls and student events for hundreds, and played basketball for the University and football for my college.
Whether through sports, welfare, or culture, I’ve always focused on bringing people together and creating spaces that are safe, fun, and genuinely welcoming. That’s the kind of energy I want to bring into the Union, too.
If you could only keep one of your manifesto pledges, which would it be?
Rosalie: The Union is for life, not just for your time in Oxford, and that’s why it’s a life membership. If I could only keep one pledge it would be to introduce an online alumni network, so that you can benefit from the incredible mosaic of people that pass through the Union, and offer networking and skills support as we all go forward with our further careers.
I’m the first in my family to even go to a Uni, so I know how invaluable this would be to me, and I think it would be able to tangibly help so many others.
George: Fixing the disciplinary process, without question. If we don’t have a fair, independent, and functional system for addressing harm or disputes, nothing else can work properly. It’s the foundation of a safe and accountable society.
Right now, that system is broken. People deserve clarity, justice, and closure, not endless confusion, silence, or delays. And honestly, it’s the root cause of many of the issues that have escalated in the Union over the past year. If we had a process that people trusted, 90% of the problems we’ve seen since last Trinity wouldn’t have spiralled the way they did.
What’s something you would change about the Union?
Rosalie: The Union, I feel, can at times be too in-groupie – a bizarre political society that only a few hacks seem to care about or understand. That’s why I want to change it to be even more open across financial, cultural and geographic boundaries, and it’s why I’m so proud to be running with such a diverse and representative slate, who are striving to make the union more representative, more open, more friendly.
That’s something I think my dream and I can do, and it’s something that I think would change it for the better.
George: The culture. Right now, too much of the Union feels like a power game. People seem to care more about the next election than simply enjoying the space they are in. I want to bring back the good vibes that made me want to join in the first place – where students come to laugh, to learn, and to breathe.
That doesn’t mean compromising on seriousness; it just means not taking ourselves so seriously all the time.
Name something you admire about your opponent.
Rosalie: When I first met George, I was inspired by his kindness and charisma. If anyone had told me when I first met him that he would be running for President, I would have voted for him. In particular, I respect his focus on increasing the Union’s visibility and outreach, and it’s been a pleasure watching him grow since I first met him as a fresher.
George: Rosalie is experienced, resilient, hardworking, and clearly cares deeply about the Union. We’ve both put in real hours to keep this place running, and I respect that. Even if we disagree on vision or approach, I believe in giving people their flowers. It takes courage to put yourself out there in a position of scrutiny, and I commend my opponent for being willing to do that.
If you could invite three speakers during your term, who would they be?
Rosalie: Jacinda Ardern, Ursula von der Leyen and Sir Michael Moritz.
George: First, AOC – she’s doing incredible work in the US trailblazing a path within the Democrat party despite her ‘controversial’ views. Second, Dave – one of the most talented men in the UK making music with wisdom well beyond his years. And third, Lebron James – as perhaps the biggest global sports star in the world it is only right we bring The King back to the Union.
What’s one debate you would host during your term?
Rosalie: Designer babies – the Union is at the forefront of debates on issues that will shape the future. I think that in time genetic modification will introduce new class boundaries in society if allowed to develop unchallenged.
As someone who has had to fight against the existing class structure so hard just to get here, I think it’s an important debate to be had.
George: “This House Believes Oxford is failing its students.” I want us to discuss the cost of rent, mental health crises, culture on campus and why so many still feel like they don’t belong or were sold a dream when they applied. This is meant to be a university of changemakers but when students protest, rather than being engaged with, they’re punished.
The system is outdated and built for the few. This debate would be student-led, with Ordinary Members able to give paper speeches. No sugarcoating, just real talk about access, welfare, and accountability. It may be uncomfortable for universities, but it is a necessary outlet for students to voice valid concerns about a global institution.
Anything else you want to add?
Rosalie: My candidacy is driven by my belief in the power of the Oxford Union to shape the future of this university. Through my leadership experience both within and outside the Union, I’ve developed the skills, vision, and passion needed to lead the Oxford Union into a new era – one where inclusivity, diversity, and relevance are at the forefront of everything we do.
I believe that the Union can be a transformative space for all students. If elected, I will be dedicated to making the Oxford Union not just an institution welcome for a privileged few, but a place where every student can speak, debate, learn, and grow.
George: Just this: the Union doesn’t need another hack. It needs someone who knows when to speak, when to listen, and how to rebuild. I’m not promising perfection, I’m promising presence, purpose, and a plan.
If you’ve ever felt like this place wasn’t for you… then maybe, this time, it actually can be.
