On Thursday night, the Students’ Union (SU) hosted its Leadership Election Results Night, announcing all the winners of the 2026 Leadership Election and The Orbital’s News editors (along with others) were present to report on it.
When News Editors, Ruby and Maddy arrived at the SU venue, the event space had been transformed into an exciting venue with a buzzing atmosphere of anticipation and celebration.
With the help of complimentary drinks and professional photography, the guests filed in and soon the room was filled with the chatter of contestants and their parties.
The ceremony was hosted by the current President (Olivia Davies), VP Wellbeing and Diversity (Vaishnavi Vajja) and VP Societies and Sport (David Gallardo González) – VP Education, Matthew Paterson was not presenting alongside his colleagues due to his position running for President in this year’s elections.
The current leaders showed their gratitude to their team and supporters, detailing their time in office with a home-made ‘73 Questions with Vogue’ video – received with much laughter.
Next, the statistics and awards for voting were revealed; The Orbital noted a shocking decrease in student voting this year with only 17.1% of students turning out compared to last year’s 24.3%.
Awards for the sports clubs and societies that had voted the most were announced as:
- Holloway Players
- Riding Society
- Department: Drama, Theatre and Dance
The main Priority 8, voted by students out of a selection, was revealed to be: More Affordable Food Options on Campus.
Moving on to the winners of VP Sports and Societies, David Gallardo González took the stage to announce the winner as Nathaniel Linde.
“Campaigning was fun but stressful” Nathaniel told Orbital in an interview after his success, “My priorities in office are to create more daytime events and improve communication, as well as better promotion”
Who do you plan to tell first?
“Well, I’ve told these guys,” he said pointing back at his friends, “but I think i’ll tell my mum next.”
VP Wellbeing and Diversity was next to be announced as Bana Asqalan, she took to the stage to collect her flowers and sash with a large round of applause from supporters.
Bana described winning as “surreal” as she was “so stressed” for the results evening. “It is great to see that students still have trust in me”, Bana told The Orbital.
What are the first things that you will do once in the role?
“I will deliver more, and new, campaigns and focus on my priorities, as these are so important to students (…) I am so grateful to have been given another chance to do this by students”
After a short break, VP Education was up next, as Matthew was in the crowd, President Olivia presented the winner: Josh Walker
How does it feel to win?
“I am honestly amazed and so buzzing”, Josh told The Orbital whilst surrounded by a large, and very happy, campaign team.
What is the first thing that you will do once in the role?
“Deadline stacking is number one.”
“Some lecturers are dismissive of this. But this is not good enough. We pay money and we want change and I am not scared of being abrasive”
And lastly, the President of Royal Holloway’s Student Union was announced to be Matthew Paterson.
How are you feeling?
“Good, well good is an understatement really,” Paterson said between floods of handshakes and congratulations.
How has your campaigning been this year compared to last?
“I had more practice this year, which helped. I had ideas ready, like materials and branding.”
Patterson’s main priorities in office this year are student safety and affordable food options on campus. He speaks of his role as VP Education highly, stating: “it was rewarding. I liked being able to work with individual students to solve problems.”
What would you say to anyone thinking about running for the Leadership Elections in the future?
“Run. It’s worth it, you have nothing to lose.”
A big congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Leadership Elections, The Orbital would like to extend a warm thank you to Royal Holloway SU for allowing us to attend and report on the results night.