LUSU presidential candidates questioned on lack of female presence in panel

The current candidates for the role of LUSU president for 2025/2026 were questioned last night on the lack of female presence within this year’s candidates.

During candidate questions, which was chaired by Harrison Stewart and Jack Watson, audience members have the chance to ask candidates their burning questions relating to the campaign.

In a question that Harrison applauded for its importance, the candidates were asked what they thought about the lack of female candidates currently and in the past, with there only having been one female candidate every year for the last three years.

The four male candidates are Rory O’Ceallaigh, Ben Carter, Adam Baguley and Ollie Earnshaw.

Via LA1TV on YouTube

They expressed their disappointment at this, with Rory saying how disappointing it is that “in the current climate, women don’t feel empowered to fill these roles.” He argued that a targeted approach is needed where women in JCRs, society execs and sports execs are encouraged individually to seek roles higher up within their groups and within LUSU.

Ollie said that the lack of female candidates is “a real shame” and “a signifier of a union that may not value women like we should do.” He explained that he wants to speak to the Women Plus forum to try and understand why this is happening.

Ben later echoed this sentiment of wanting to talk to the Women Plus forum so that the “unacceptable” way that women feel pushed out of certain roles is counteracted.

Adam, however, argued that the problem is not within the Students’ Union, but within a society that is rooted in misogyny. “Women are never going to have an equal place in society unless that is fundamentally changed,” he said.

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The candidates were then asked how they would continue supporting the sexual harassment campaign that Cerys has been “fantastic” at aiding. Adam immediately said that university management has “allegedly been incredibly awful at dealing with sexual misconduct; has allegedly covered up misconduct because they don’t want the publicity because they don’t want to admit that they don’t want to put the money into actually protecting these people.” He said he will support any movement against this.

Rory then went on to offer the specific steps he would take to continue Cerys’ work, saying that he will use the handover period between LUSUs to look at what has been done and what needs to be continued. “It’s a case of…not taking no for an answer,” he said. He advocated for the LCOs who are part-time volunteers, and said he aims to help them with their workload behind the scenes so that they can complete their studies “whilst the union is protecting [their] interest.”

Ben said he would love to speak with the LCO who asked the question to find out what needs to be done, calling the sexual harassment campaign “wonderful” and adding that he completely wants to support it. “I know how much of a struggle campaigning is,” he said, concluding that he would love to help the LCOs with this.

Ollie congratulated the LCO on her work and agreed with Ben that he would sit down with the LCO and find out what he specifically can do. He advocated for “empowered” LCOs who can run their own campaigns, have their own budgets and run their own events, “without the tick box exercise of asking LUSU.”

Lancaster University said in a statement to The Lancaster Tab: “Lancaster University does not tolerate bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct.

“Staff or students reporting incidents of this nature are supported and their right to privacy is maintained. Our community should be in no doubt that the University is resourced and ready to listen, investigate and where necessary, use disciplinary sanctions, so that our staff, students, and visitors can enjoy an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

“People can find out more here: Bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct policy.”

Lancaster University Students’ Union declined to comment as the election is ongoing.

Featured image via LA1TV on YouTube.