Exclusive: Cambridge Union executive resigns after alleging ‘institutional bullying’

The Cambridge Union’s Debates Officer has resigned, citing the organisation’s “consistent, protracted, institutional bullying” as the reason.

In a resignation letter addressed to the union’s vice-president, Pollyanna Greene-Wright explained that, while the union had delivered a strong programme of debates during the term, the internal environment within the society had become “increasingly concerning.”

Pollyanna argued the union’s public-facing work contrasted with problems behind the scenes.

She alleged she had experienced sustained hostility while in office, saying: “Following recent developments and the consistent, protracted institutional bullying I have encountered, it has become increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties and deliver for our membership.”

Pollyanna claimed the situation had taken a toll on her “mental health”, adding she had previously raised concerns about the society’s culture with senior committee members.

According to Pollyanna, the situation worsened in recent days, prompting her decision to step down. She said that after completing her final debate and concluding outstanding work on 5th March, she decided she could no longer continue in the role.

“Serving as the Debates Officer this term has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Cambridge; it is an experience I will hold with me for many years to come,” she said.

Pollyanna praised the work of her sub-committee and said the term’s debates had been widely recognised by members, adding the programme had “furthered the cause of our union in promoting free speech, frankness, and heartfelt discourse.”

She said she would leave the union “with my head held high,” expressing pride in the debates programme delivered during the term and thanking supporters inside and outside the society.

“I wish to reiterate that I have taken this decision of my own volition owing to the protracted issues I have faced in the exercise of my duties”, Pollyanna said.

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Anonymous sources have informed The Cambridge Tab that alleged tensions in the union’s committee had escalated in recent weeks.

A senior union committee member said: “The culture at the Union has definitely got worse this academic year […] It’s very sad to see the mental health concerns of friends on committee go unacknowledged and there isn’t much welfare provision to speak of.

“The union’s leadership, however well-meaning, doesn’t seem to have done much to improve the situation.”

A Cambridge Union spokesperson said:”On 26th February, an officer of the union was disqualified from candidature for the Michaelmas 2026 presidency. The returning officers concluded this based on several clear violations of electoral practice and the neutrality and constitutionality of our returning officers is absolute and has been upheld.

Our Returning Officers responded to unprecedented irregularities in electoral practice and the Cambridge Union is entirely satisfied that due diligence was properly applied at all times. The officer was provided with a designated welfare representative throughout disciplinary proceedings, was made aware of all parts of the investigation contemporaneously, and voluntarily resigned from their current position.

The union is particularly proud of the strong culture of welfare and support that is directed towards our officers and we are delighted to present to our members several first-time candidates and new faces in our upcoming election. We are encouraged that our members feel confident participating in our elections with the support of our returning officers and our exceptionally experienced Standing Committee. Our standing officers consider their work to be rewarding and fulfilling outside of their academic lives and find their working environment to be marked by a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.”

Pollyanna Greene-Wright said: “I wish to stress how honoured I have been to serve as Debates Officer this Lent. I worked my hardest to deliver a programme that I hope reflected the interests of our membership, and it has been heartening to receive such positive feedback and packed chambers throughout the term. I remain deeply respectful of the union as an institution and fully supportive of its longstanding commitment to the protection of free speech. Everything I have done in my office, and continue to do, is in support of this mission.”