Earlier this week saw former OUSU President Alan Strickland vying to take over Tony Blair’s position as MP for Sedgefield.
After more than 50 applications were received for the position, Strickland became one of the 11 longlisted candidates who faced interviews with the National Executive Committee in London.
Having impressed the panel at this stage he made it into the shortlist, which included former ministers and councillors, but lost out to seasoned politician Phil Wilson, who won by a comfortable majority.
The primary reasons for Strickland’s loss were put down to age and inexperience. Had he succeeded, the role would have seen him fighting in the by-election later this month.
