Replacement Union Librarian announced after protest resignation

UPDATE: Chryssanthopoulos has now been replaced by Leo Garwood.

Garwood is a fresher PPEist at St John’s. It is understood that he is now fulfilling the role of Librarian with immediate effect.

The already scandal-hit Oxford Union has been dealt yet another blow, as the Librarian has resigned today, making this the second resignation is as many weeks for the teetering society.

In an email sent to the President, Returning Officer and Librarian-Elect, Chryssanthopoulos’ resignation letter began with: “I, Kostas Chryssanthopoulos, St Peter’s College and the Librarian do hereby resign my position within the Society.”

Chryssanthopoulos leaving the debate chamber on Thursday.

The email explained the reasons for Chryssanthopoulos’ departure as “I refuse to hold this position any further, having suffered repeated and continued attacks which have been personal from the start. Moreover, my friends have also been targeted not only in the past but also recently, to hit back at me for the actions I undertook earlier this week. Actions which were well within my rights and which, in my view, I had a duty to pursue.”

In a final barb at beleaguered President Sullivan, the letter ended with: “To serve under this President has been the biggest regret of my time in this Society and I want nothing more to do with him”.

Chryssanthopoulos made headlines only on Thursday when he dramatically walked out of the Oxford Union’s 1st Week debate, after making a speech explaining that he “could not in good conscience be seated next to [Sullivan]”.

President Ben Sullivan’s committee has been hit by two high profile resignations, as well as a reveal of misuse of funds in past weeks

Speculation has since become rife about who will fill the role vacated by the Librarian, although Union Rules indicate that the position will be offered to other officers in order of seniority.

President Ben Sullivan, when asked for comment, said to the Tab: “I am extremely sorry that Kostas has resigned. It is a great shame that politics has meant our friendship has ended in this manner. The Union is grateful for everything he has done for the Society and I wish him all the best for the future.”

It’s been a rough week for the Union, with President Sullivan being hit in the national press for his membership of the Banter Squadron, as well as the resignation of Standing Committee member, Katherine Connolly, citing an ‘untenable’ working environment.