The Oxford Union has voted to remove its President-Elect, George Abaraonye, following a no-confidence motion triggered by controversy over his comments about the shooting of American political commentator Charlie Kirk.
According to the official statement issued on Tuesday morning by the Extraordinary Returning Officer, Donovan Lock, the motion passed with a two-thirds majority.
“Total Ballots Cast: 1,746
Votes in Favour of No Confidence: 1,228
Votes Against: 501
Spoilt, blank or void: 17,” the statement read.
Under Oxford Union rules, a no-confidence motion is carried if at least two-thirds of valid votes are cast in favour and at least 150 affirmative votes are recorded. Mr Lock confirmed that this threshold had been met.
“As this threshold has been met, the Motion of No Confidence has been carried. In accordance with Rule 47(h)(v), the President-Elect is deemed to have resigned,” the Returning Officer said.
The in-person poll took place on Saturday, 18 October, between 10:00 and 20:00, in line with the Union’s Poll Regulations. Proxy votes, permitted under Regulation 7, were processed until 22:56 on Monday, 20 October, with the formal count beginning shortly afterwards at 23:00.
Mr Lock’s statement noted that, “In accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Society, this time constitutes the formal close of poll for the purposes of when the deadline for receipt of Allegations or Complaints expires.”
48-Hour Period for Complaints
Under the Union’s constitution, Mr Abaraonye’s removal will take effect after a 48-hour period following the close of the poll. During this time, he or his representatives may lodge formal allegations or complaints regarding the vote.
“If no Allegations or Complaints are received within 48 hours of the close of poll, the result shall take effect automatically at that time; or if Allegations or Complaints are lodged, the result shall be pending their determination,” Mr Lock confirmed.
The result marks a decisive end to a turbulent period for the 202-year-old debating society. The controversy began after Mr Abaraonye appeared to celebrate the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing US influencer, in a private group chat earlier this year. He later apologised and retracted the comments, describing them as a mistake.
The Oxford Union has been under intense scrutiny since the incident, with several guest speakers reportedly withdrawing and major donations being placed on hold.
The no-confidence vote drew significant turnout from both student members and alumni. Sources at the Union said life members played a key role in reaching the two-thirds majority required to remove the president-elect.
An Oxford Union member told the Conservative Post:
“George is completely free to say what he wants… that’s what free speech means, and we support it wholeheartedly. But free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We don’t have to have him as president if we don’t agree with what he said. You can say what you like, but businesses don’t have to hire you, and institutions like ours don’t have to be led by you. That’s the difference. This was the right outcome and a result for common sense. Now we need to focus on rebuilding the damage he’s done and restoring trust in the Union.”
Mr Abaraonye and his campaign team have not yet issued a public response to the result.
The Oxford Union has not commented beyond the Returning Officer’s statement.
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