‘I can fit fourteen pennies in my belly button’: Fleur MacInnes is running for VP Welfare & Community

We spoke to Fleur MacInnes, who is running for VP Welfare and Communities, and asked her questions about her campaign, what she would change in the Union and why she's the person for the job. This is what she had to say.

Why do you think you'd be good in this role?

I’m passionate, experienced and resilient. If someone tells me no, I’ll look for another way to make it happen. I won’t give anything I care about up without a fight, and this includes the well-being of our students.

What is the most important point in your manifesto?

Oof. This is a hard one. My manifesto is like my baby. I’d probably say the mental health subheading though, particularly setting up a support system for post-grads. We need to make sure our mental health support is applicable to all of our students.

What is the first thing you’d change if you were elected?

I’d bring back SUSU the cat… Only kidding. (I miss her though). I’d set up the household appliance recycling system. I think it’s easy, necessary, and relatively cost-free.

What area of our Student Union do you think needs the greatest improvement?

Communication. We say this every year, but most of our students don’t know what a Student Union does, let alone what sabbatical officers are. Ultimately, we need to be giving the students what they want, and I feel that sometimes our SU can be a bit too focused on the marketing side of things, and less on actual student engagement. Marketing is great, but what’s the point if you only attract 4 people to an event? We need to be making sure that our focuses at the Union are multifaceted.

What makes you different from the other candidates also running for the same position?

Dedication. Lots of the things in my manifesto are things I tried to implement as a student officer and was unable to, for a number of reasons. But I’m not giving up, because I know that these changes would be so good for our students, and I feel like they deserve that. I’m resilient as hell, and I won’t stop trying to help people in every way I can.

How would you celebrate if you won?

I’d probably call my family and tell them… I haven’t actually told my parents that I’m running yet. Then I’d order a massive Chinese takeaway.

Any secret talents?

I can fit 14 pennies in my bellybutton.

What is the maddest thing you’ve done since being at Uni?

Last year, me and my friends had a topless photo shoot in Valley Gardens. I wish I could say it was for any particular reason, but it wasn’t. The sun came out and we were just super excited.

Favourite post-night-out food?

McDonald's have a new vegan wrap and it’s peng! Plus an apple pie. Sorts me out every time.

What is your favourite Soton tab meme?

I once had an asthma attack walking up Church Lane. Just call me FleurFitUK x