Ollie is a third-year student. Ollie represented the JCR as Students with Disabilities Representative, sitting on the Welfare Team, and as a member of the JCR Committee (2024-2025), having also frepped. Ollie is also co-President of Trevs Games Soc.

What motivated you to run for JCR President?

I’ve been really impressed with the way that George Little and James Koo have been improving the college over their time as President, and I really felt like that was something that I could add to. I felt that was something that I could be part of.

Why should people vote for you? How do you stand out from other candidates?

I think I stand out because I think I’ve been known this year to work on one-to-one trust with students. As well as talking a lot more to most members of staff and to organise some of the smaller events and things. I feel like I’ve got that experience, then to contribute towards that positive environment to try and encourage more participation in the JCR, which is very much needed.

With a lack of engagement from Freshers this year and some meetings failing to meet quorum, how are you planning on increasing engagement in the JCR?

I think a lot of it is going to depend on that first JCR meeting of first term, getting those Freshers more involved, and I think that would be working with whoever comes to be Chair to make sure it’s a bit more of a settled atmosphere. We would introduce what things mean, like what is a Tier 1 versus a Tier 2. A little bit more explanation, a bit more coordination, and a lot more communication between the exec so that the exec reports are a lot more engaging. It needs to feel both professional and like something you can get involved in, even if you’re not a politics-interested students.

I’ve been really impressed with the way that George Little and James Koo have been improving the college over their time as President, and I really felt like that was something that I could add to. I felt that was something that I could be part of.

What would you like to do with your first 100 days in office?

My first protocol would be to go through absolutely everything – I know James [Koo] has done a week-by-week plan of what he’s been up to, so it’d be mostly reading. I think reading on what he’s been up to and trying to get as much of a head start as possible, on Freshers’ Bop, Winter Ball. Lots of initial jobs need doing, so getting a nomination for Treasurer as soon as possible. 

What has the JCR done poorly this year that you’d like to improve on?

I think it’s mostly been budgeting. I think our finances are quite in shambles, which is something that I want to work on if we can. Events should be more accessible, even if it’s by minimising the price but increasing the amount of things to do. I’d work a lot with a potential social chair, if one runs for election, or working with the events committee, to get some more ideas of things. But, unfortunately, we’ve not had many nominations this year.

Lastly, if you win, what toastie will you order from the Buttery to celebrate?

I am controversial for this, but I’m not a cheese person. I’m just not a fan, I can’t do it. If it’s a savoury toastie, it’s got to be chicken, chorizo, and sweet chilli.

But if it’s a sweet one, which is allowed, it’s got to be marshmallows and melted white chocolate. 

Voting for JCR President opens on Monday 10th February at 12pm.

Image: Ollie Laws