# LeadMCR 2026: 35 candidates, 20 words - Source: The Mancunion (https://staging.mancunion.com/news/leadmcr-2026-35-candidates-20-words) - By: willknight - Published: 2026-02-26T21:25:32.000Z - Section: News - Topics: Students Union, union affairs, LeadMCR 2026, City and Community, Wellbeing and Liberation, Activities and Culture **20 words - your LeadMCR candidates make their pitch** As LeadMCR election season hots up, with candidates vying for the votes of the University of Manchester's over 40,000 students, *The Mancunion* brings you short statements from all participating in the race. With each prospective Executive Officer given 20 words to make their case, keep an eye out for further coverage on *The Mancunion*'s page (including our new [society endorsement tracker](https://mancunion.com/2026/02/24/leadmcr-2026-society-endorsement-tracker/?swcfpc=1)) for more detail. ### Union Affairs Officer: Anna Ward - "As an experienced gender-based violence, tenants-union and Palestine organiser, I’m fighting for a University that addresses: Affordability, Solidarity and Sustainability." Benjamin Blackman - "Ben for Union Affairs: rent freezes and bursaries, ethical partnerships, and empowering mental health to create an inclusive, student-first University." Frances Connolly - "I’m an experienced student rep who understands university systems, confidently challenges decision-makers, and ensures student voices lead to meaningful change." Meadow Ronan - "Not a vote for me, a vote for you, a vote for us. Make Manchester yours." Saumya Tiwari - "When students speak, systems should respond. For accountability and fairer coordination, vote me #1." ### City and Community Officer: Bohdan Ferubko - "Because you can really count on me." Hasan Patel - "In first year, I faced expulsion for organising the rent strike. I’ll continue to campaign with students as your officer." Nagad Kayad - "I’m a fresh face in a new place, deeply rooted in Manchester with unique experiences. Let’s raise the standard." ### Wellbeing and Liberation Officer: Aisvaryaa Periyar Khaviyaa - "International student. Psychology informed. Unafraid to act. Committed to strengthen campus safety, inclusive wellbeing and intersectional liberation." Grace Hollingsworth - "Vote Grace #1 to make university flexible, accessible, and safe - policies rooted in lived experience, not empty promises." Kai Prince - "Vote Kai Prince if you believe your personal wellbeing & liberation deserves award-winning advocacy, genuine commitment, and transparent open collaboration." Lana Smyth - "I've lived the struggles students face. I'll listen, advocate, and fight for real change, for every student." Maha Shaikh - "Everything sucks right now - so vote Maha Shaikh, for transformation grounded in experience, vision, and a real plan for change!" Sayana Backer - "For strong, accountable leadership rooted in community and a commitment to protecting wellbeing, liberation and student power, vote Sayana." Scarlett Postance - "I am committed to driving intersectional, inclusive , and impactful change, with your voice at the heart of every decision." Sharon Mary Dominic Raj - "Vote for me because I’ve already delivered change on mental health and safety and I’m rerunning to finish the work." ### Activities and Culture Officer: Aaina Mohapatra - "I understand the cost, the job stress, the fear as an international student, and my experience can combat that quick" Ananya Alummottil - "Aid and employability. The given opportunities that were short-falling, I'm running to create systems that lift every individual forward." Jasmine Collins - "I am an incredibly hardworking individual who is passionate about creating spaces for all students to feel seen and heard." Sanjana Palangdar - "Make Manchester your stage - with clear guidance, real recognition, and affordable ways to belong and thrive." ### Postgraduate Research Officer: Avinash Powar - "My vision: a PGR community that feels like home. Let's make this year extraordinary together with your support." Accadius Lunayo - "PGRs are barely recognised; across supervisory units, isolation, uncertainty and uneven support persist. As PGR Officer, I'll tackle this uncertainty." Atanas Kotov - "A vote for me is a vote for affordable accommodation, support for student parents and material and mental health support." Beck Heslop - "I will ensure PGRs are supported throughout their journey, with submission pending funds and access to uni email and resources post-PhD." Zhou Luman - "Have dedicated 1,300+ hours to 30+ events benefiting 5,000+ students globally, earning multiple awards for volunteering and internationalisation." Mariya Hamada - "Knac-Knac! Who's there? Finances, career uncertainty and research loneliness will no longer make you shiver! Vote Knac-Knac: know, act, claim" Mohsen Rezaei Atagholipour - "Turning PGR voices into action: I bring leadership, experience, and dedication to ensure PGR priorities are heard and achieved" ### Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Officer: Ann Lee - "I'm motivated by heart, mitigated by (a slightly neurospicy) head; I will give FBMH the best foundation to change lives. ### Faculty of Humanities Officer: Alec Severs - "For bold leadership tackling the real issues of humanities students - Don't Panic, Keep Alec!" Pulkit Gupta - "I will provide better facilities, stronger support and feedback, fair finances, powerful student voice - building a thriving Manchester community." ### Faculty of Science and Engineering Officer: Lincoln Bertram - "Clear plans, honest communication and real follow-through. I focus on fixing problems, building systems and improving everyday student experience." Jack Newton - "I believe in a university motivated by students not money and I will fight to end UoM's ties to genocide." Mochi Choi - "Dedicated in improving quality of life in exam and feedback and ensure chances of employment amongst students." Steven Iguza - "Heard, Handled, Delivered" Xu Dingfan - "I listen, act, and deliver - amplifying student voices, prioritising wellbeing, and building inclusive communities that create real change together."