On the 25th of February, The Mancunion spoke to candidates running in LeadMCR 2026, asking them what their number one priority would be if they became one of the eight Executive Officers at our Students' Union.
Alongside this, we polled 105 students at the university, asking them what the number one issue facing students is, and whether they planned to vote in LeadMCR 2026.
It is important to note that only top priorities were polled. Most candidates have referenced a range of issues during their campaigns, and for more information, see The Mancunion's articles on ideas statements and 20-word pitches from each candidate.
Amongst the student body, there seems to be a strong consensus that issues with the cost-of-living are a priority. Out of all the students polled, 35 stated "affordability" as the top issue facing students, while 45 thought "rent prices" were the number one concern.
This was somewhat reflected in the top priorities mentioned by the candidates; seven of the 25 candidates we spoke to noted financial and material concerns as their top priority. While this was a lower proportion of candidates than the percentage of students citing it as their top concern, across the candidates it was the issue mentioned the highest number of times.
It should be noted that references to the cost-of-living were particular concentrated amongst those standing for Union Affairs, with three out of the four candidates we spoke to mentioning material concerns.
Following on from the cost-of-living, the issues of "underrepresentation, diversity and accessibility" were found throughout the candidate priorities, with five explicit references to these concerns across the candidates.
This contrasts somewhat with The Mancunion's polling, where "mental health", "academic workloads" and "quality of housing" were the next most important issues, with six students picking these issues as their top concern.
However, what is perhaps most significant from The Mancunion's polling is the lack of awareness towards LeadMCR. When asked whether they would be voting in LeadMCR, 57 out of 105 said they did not know what LeadMCR was.
Below is a full run-down of the priorities of each candidate, and the role they are standing for.
Union Affairs Officer:
Anna Ward - “affordability crisis”
Ben Blackman - “rent bursaries”
Frances Connolly - “making student life inspiring”
Meadow Ronan - "increased financial aid”
Wellbeing and Liberation Officer:
Aisvaryaa Periyar Khaviyaa - “women’s safety”
Grace Hollingsworth - “tackling institutional inequality”
Kai Prince - “accountability”
Lana Smyth - “advocating for your needs”
Maha Shaikh - “solidarity against fascism”
Sayana Backer - “accountable liberation”
Scarlett Postance - “intersectional, intersectional change”
Sharon Mary Dominic Raj - “belonging”
City and Community Officer:
Bohdan Ferubko - “honesty”
Hasan Patel - “affordability”
Nagad Kayad - “representing marginalised students”
Activities and Culture Officer:
Aaina Mohapatra - “international student careers”
Ananya Alummottil - “employability”
Jasmine Collins - “support”
Sanjana Palangdar - “to build experience”
Postgraduate Research Officer:
Accadius Lunayo - “clearer funding pathways”
Atanas Kotov - “student housing, student parents”
Beck Heslop - “material support”
Mohsen Rezaei Atagholipour - “accountability”
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Officer:
Ann Lee - “inclusion and support"
Humanities Officer:
Alec Severs - “living and learning conditions”
Faculty of Science and Engineering:
Lincoln Bertram - “employability”
Jack Newton - “students not profit”
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