Northumbria SU president resigns with immediate effect and joins estate agents

Northumbria Students’ Union President, Gaz Smith, announced yesterday that he was stepping down from his role due to: “challenging personal circumstances.”

In a statement on his Instagram, the outgoing president said: “I have chosen to leave my position as President of Northumbria Students’ Union. I leave with pride in all that I’ve achieved there and the knowledge that my work will be carried on by the amazing team at the union who I care for deeply.”

At the same time, the former SU president also announced he was starting a new role as part of the legal team of a new-build estate agency.

In a statement on the SU website, a spokesperson confirmed, “It is with regret that the Students’ Union must inform you that the SU President, Gaz Smith, tendered his resignation on the 15th December.

“Gaz wrote to the Board of Trustees of the Students’ Union explaining that, due to challenging personal circumstances, he needs to prioritise his wellbeing. As a result he feels unable to devote the time and commitment needed to fulfil the role of President that the students of Northumbria deserve and must, regrettably, stand down.

“The Trustee Board has accepted his resignation with immediate effect.”

The union also confirmed that a by-election would not be held to replace Gaz saying: “Under the Union Articles of Association, there will be no bye-election for the President role for this academic year. The nominations for elections are now open and the elected candidate for NSU President will start their term of office as normal in June 2022 for the 22/23 academic year. Gaz’s duties will be undertaken by other members of the Sabbatical team and staff as appropriate.”

Following the announcement, Gaz has been praised for the good work that was completed in his six months as president, including assisting the revamp of Northumbria’s Black History Month events and working with local authorities to help make clubs safer in wake of the spiking outcry, 

The SU added: “The Union also wish to reassure students that work will continue on the issues on which Gaz was elected, particularly championing for greater sustainability and environmental consideration in all of the Students Union and University activity… The Students’ Union wishes Gaz all the best for the remainder of the year and for his return to studies here at Northumbria in Sept 2022”

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