The University of East Anglia Students’ Union (UEASU) hosted Question Time to give students the opportunity to better understand each candidate’s priorities, policies, and plans for the next academic year.

Held on Tuesday 24 March 2026, the event brought together candidates from across the various officer roles, offering them a platform to outline their manifestos, respond to questions, and engage in discussion on the issues most affecting UEA students. 

Topics ranged from academic representation and cost of living concerns to welfare provision, inclusivity, and campus life.

While around 30 students are standing across the different positions in this year’s elections, not every candidate took part in the Candidate Question Time. 

The event formed part of the wider elections period, aiming to encourage informed voting and greater engagement with student democracy. 

Following the discussion, Concrete has compiled brief biographies of each candidate who spoke at the Candidate Question Time. 

Undergraduate Candidates

Marlowe North promises students they will take into account the priorities of students rather than running their own agenda. They wish to hold “surgery” style sessions every two weeks to take on the concerns of students, and to represent marginalised undergraduate voices by helping international students better adjust to living in Norwich.

They believe inclusivity for disabled and LGBT+ undergraduates can be implemented through recording of lectures and the normalisation of sharing pronouns in academic spaces.

Gray Prothero-Gibbs is specifically focused on belonging and inclusion. They believe the biggest issues undergraduates at UEA face is the amount of terminology used which can especially confuse first years and international students. They also think support processes feel hidden. 

Gray envisions success as being a trusted individual who helps build community and belonging, leaving physical resources to signpost students.They also want to add content warnings to lectures and to get lecturers trained on triggering issues.

Campaigns & Democracy Candidates

Gaia Cousin is passionate about women’s safety, especially in UEA venues. She also wants to open up conversations about less spoken about mental health issues the student body may face.

When asked how she wishes to implement change, she promised long lasting changes which have inherent value and accurately reflect the needs of the student body.

Jaz Brooks wants to bring the power back to students by reducing the cost of living around campus, fighting for a more transparent democracy, and stronger student-led campaigns.

She emphasised that she has built relationships with accommodations and Campus Kitchen, and believes she is in a position to leverage rising fees. 

Jaz also wishes to campaign nationally on the new 6% levy introduced to national students to pay for home students.

Shashin Patel feels the cost of living crisis affects students and their wellbeing. He thinks democracy at UEA should be accessible, visible, and meaningful for all students, especially postgraduate students and international students.

Shashin promises to listen first, engaging with students and adapting his campaigns accordingly, ensuring they reflect all students. He endeavours to do this through weekly meetings where people can approach him with issues they are facing.

Postgraduate Candidates

Aditya Chamadia believes in building a strong leadership which  connects postgraduates to the student body, especially in societies and clubs.

If elected, Aditya wants to provide a winter graduation ceremony for postgraduate students, fix the booking system for postgraduate students,a nd to provide in-person guidance for the use of AI.

Amin Mohmadyasin Jawrawala plans to connect postgraduate students to the rest of campus and wishes to work with the other officers. He explained how cultural activities and special events for students would release stress as well as providing social opportunities.

He assured the audience he would work with the SU to ensure his campaigns benefit all the student body, not just postgraduates.

Activities and Opportunities Candidates

Alicia Khuttan thinks monthly committee meetups would stop concerns escalating, and wants to introduce more regular society fairs so students feel less intimidated joining halfway through the semester. 

She also promised to push for more flexible memberships which ensure no student is priced out of clubs and societies with starter funds and payment plans.

When it comes to clubs and societies, Aura Mondal believes the more they join forces, the more engagement will grow, citing shared costs and increased visibility for lesser known clubs and societies as benefits.

She said she would ensure students gain transferable skills at UEA through introducing training supplemented by the SU, such as self-desense, and paid officer roles for clubs and sports.

Megan Aldridge focused on commuter inclusion when asked how she would ensure activities are accessible to students from all backgrounds. 

She believes weekend training means many commuters have fewer opportunities. She also emphasises more inclusive socials which don’t centre alcohol.

Communities and Culture Candidates

Psychology student Chanel Munroe believes UEA’s creativity should be at the forefront of the university’s operations, to create a brighter, louder campus, and bring separate communities closer together. 

They emphasised the need for more support for student carers, parents, and international students. They also highlighted how initiatives like Go Global need to be subsidised to ensure international students can afford to attend.

Anisah Tufal is focused on helping especially women of colour thrive at UEA. She spoke of meaningful liberation work at UEA, hoping to represent student liberation as fairly as possible while bringing in her own campaigns

Amish Patel thinks diversity and inclusion are at the heart of UEA campaigns, advocating for inclusive curriculums. thinks the buddy system mentoring programs can connect students with one another to help them navigate campus life.

When asked about supporting cultural, faith, and liberation groups, he encouraged active conflict resolution groups with respectful mediation as a solution.

The full list of posts and candidates are listed on ueasu.org/elections.

Students are eligible to vote until 12:00 on Monday 2 March 2026.

Image credit: Kieron Livingstone