Socialist Students

University of Sussex

A huge victory was achieved by Sussex Socialist Students last week when Lee Vernon was elected to the sabbatical position of finance officer of the University of Sussex student union.

A week of tireless campaigning by all members of the student group, was validated by the 110 vote majority.

The experience was invaluable not just in terms of the brilliant result but as an excellent opportunity for teaching new members how best to campaign in an election.

Running on a socialist platform, Lee stressed his anti-privatisation stance and support for the Campaign to Defeat Fees in all of his election material. This clearly struck a chord with the students of Sussex who are currently fighting a bitter campaign against the university.

His socialist politics, as well as his record of dedicated campaigning at university, led to his success. The win should be hailed as an achievement not just for students and socialists in Brighton and Sussex but across England and Wales. Well done Lee!

Sarah Wrack, Sussex Socialist Students

University of Northumbria

Last week a campaign led by Socialist Students and independents resulted in my election onto Northumbria students union governing council.

Other positions in the union were filled by many anti-fascist, left-leaning independents. The outgoing president even commented that this election was clearly a "big no to fascists".

The student union adopted a 'No Platform for fascists' position late last year when around 250 students voted 3 to 1 in favour but the British National Party (BNP) was still allowed to stand in the elections.

Joseph Finnon, the national BNP youth leader, attends Northumbria as a post-grad Law student. On Facebook he said that he would stand in the election. But he never even nominated himself or any of his fascist friends.

Students have sent a clear message to the BNP; they don't want fascists on their campus. The BNP know they are not wanted in our student union.