Introduction

My name is Josh and I'm a 4th year Politics and Religious Studies student. I'm also the Editor in Chief of The Gaudie newspaper, where I've written for the last three years. During my time at the paper, I've done a lot of work to ensure University and student leaders are held to account, and I look forward to continuing this from the "inside" once elected. When I'm not in the office, I enjoy playing baseball (Go Kings) and volunteering with Just Love Aberdeen.

What are your three priorities for the year?

1- I want to make campus more welcoming for all students. If all goes to plan, this will include the installation of lockers at SDR and the conversion of the empty Starbucks unit into a community and societies hub. I will also lobby the council to grit the St Machar Drive pavement in the winter (given its status as a designated accessible route)

2- I want to work with small businesses in Aberdeen to create a "support local" scheme, where students will receive discounts and other deals at locally run cafés, shops, and restaurants across the city. I will also work with the bus companies and the Council to explore ways we can expand night bus services for students.

3- I want to increase accountability for both University management and student leaders. I will hold weekly surgeries in Union Brew and will also ask members of management to hold monthly or quarterly open meetings with students. I will also work to increase electoral access for the upcoming general elections, leading a University wide voter registration drive.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

I have extensive leadership experience, having run the newsroom for the last year. This required a lot of hard work and long hours, and I'd bring that same determination to my role as President. I also think I would provide a unique 'external' perspective to the role. I connect well with people, which is a skill sorely needed if we want students to feel included and represented.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?        

There are so many issues facing students. I think the most existential is two-fold. The slashing of government funding to the University has created a unstable and fearful environment for students and staff. I will continue AUSA'S campaign to lobby the Scottish Government to increase funding to the University, and will work with management to ensure students are included in any discussion of cuts or mergers in the next year.

We need a strong leader, now more than ever.