New Student Leaders Elected at Leeds University Union

Students choose representatives for 2026/27 academic year

Leeds University Union (LUU) has announced the results of its LeadLUU 2026/27 elections, revealing the new student leaders who will represent the student body over the coming year. A total of 7,694 unique votes were cast by students across Leeds, contributing to the selection of the team tasked with shaping the Union’s activities and priorities.

Student Executive and Trustee Positions

• Union Affairs & Community Student Executive: Lucy Hart, who has highlighted priorities including reducing rent increases, increasing employment opportunities, advocating for cheaper bus travel, and reinstating the Winter Tent event.
• Welfare & Liberation Student Executive: Abinaya Ashok Anand, focusing on fostering confidence, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among all students.
• Academic Experience Student Executive: The results for this position are currently pending an appeal and have not yet been confirmed.
• Student Opportunities & Development Student Executive: Tineka Jennings, aiming to enhance the overall university experience and support the return of the Winter Tent.
• International Experience Student Executive: Dubem Chukwudubem Okeke, with goals related to fairer renting, rural grants, and practical support to help international students settle in Leeds.
• PGR Trustee: Charlotte Campbell-Broad, advocating for increased representation and voice for postgraduate research students within the Union.

Liberation and Identity Engagement Leaders

• LGBTQ+ Engagement Leader: Ash Mallen, focusing on improving queer access, creating joyful spaces, and simplifying access to information and products for students and society members.
• Gender Engagement Leader: Kelsey Wittner, aiming to improve safety for female and trans students and enhance mental health support on campus.
• Race & Ethnicity Engagement Leader: Janeeta Rahardjo, working to ensure that all students feel welcome and included in Leeds.
• Disabled & Neurodivergent Engagement Leader: Lula Hoffmann, prioritising improved accessibility and advocating for disabled and neurodivergent students’ rights on campus.

Faculty Engagement Leaders

• Medicine & Health Engagement Leader: Mohammad Almahri, focusing on enhanced support for careers and internships.
• Engineering & Physical Sciences Engagement Leader: Emma Chaloner, seeking improvements in assessment platforms, feedback clarity, breaks during study, and career opportunities.
• Arts, Humanities & Culture Engagement Leader: Cat Tongyu Zhou, aiming to bridge cultural experiences and engagement.
• Social Sciences Engagement Leader: Narayani Gawande, prioritising job opportunities, placement support, and interactive sessions for students.

Next Steps for the New Leaders

The newly elected student leaders will begin preparations for their roles this spring, working alongside current officers and LUU staff. Their focus will be on setting priorities, developing plans, and ensuring they effectively represent the student body throughout the 2026/27 academic year.

Further updates, including the final results for the Academic Experience Student Executive position, will be provided as they become available.