Student Society President-Elect Ousted Following Charlie Kirk Posts

Oxford Union debate
Charlie Kirk and George Abaraonye took part in a discussion at the student society in May

The president-elect of the Oxford Union has been removed from his position after losing a vote of confidence that came after his controversial online comments about the conservative activist.

The vote against the student leader achieved the required super-majority to remove him from office, according to an announcement from the society.

Disputed Comments

The dispute began after the student reportedly posted messages on online platforms that seemed to welcome the killing of the American conservative figure, who was shot dead while speaking at a college in Utah.

According to sources, one Instagram post reportedly read "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an elongated version of the phrase 'lol'.

The student leader is also reported to have posted in a messaging group with other members appearing to welcome the incident.

Vote Outcome

The no-confidence motion was conducted over the weekend, with outcomes announced on this week.

Society announcements showed that over twelve hundred votes were cast supporting removal, while 501 were against the motion.

The notice stated that the future president was considered to have resigned in accordance with the Oxford Union's rules.

Society notice
The student society shared the outcome of the no-confidence vote on this week

Procedural Disputes

Proceedings were informally suspended early on Monday after the election official was reportedly subjected to "obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility" from several representatives.

In a statement, the student claimed that the count had been halted because electoral officials believed "no valid outcome could be reached as a result of procedural failures".

His response unequivocally denied that any person appointed by the student had engaged in threatening or obstructive conduct.

Ongoing Dispute

The student stated that extremely serious issues had been submitted to the governing body and that he remained the elected leader.

His statement added that George was "grateful and honored to have the backing of well in excess of a majority of students at Oxford" who supported a "safe election and resist attempts to subvert democracy".

Opponents have argued that any decision to keep him would "demonstrate internationally that the Oxford Union has prioritized politics over principles".

Conservative activist
Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a university in September

External Responses

On recently, Kirk's former chief of staff read out an public message to the society on a related program podcast.

The message criticized the union of becoming a place where "student leaders publicly celebrate the killing of a ideological rival".

The statement warned that if the student were to remain in post, supporters would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever spoken at the society and advise them against future participation".

The society had earlier criticized the student's remarks after Kirk's death and stated that concerns submitted about him had been referred for official review.

The president-elect had been one of several students to debate with the activist at the society in May.

Matthew Haynes
Matthew Haynes

A certified mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find inner peace through simple, effective practices.