Ciaron Tobin gave up the Magdalen JCR presidency this morning, following allegations of misconduct over which three senior committee members resigned earlier today.
In an email sent to all Magdalen students, seen by Cherwell, Tobin wrote “I have not been able to work effectively with the Exec and have been rash and broken down in communication, since the weekend on my end without resolving it.”
Earlier this morning, Vice President Madeleine Blackburn, Treasurer James Melia, and Secretary Aaron McIntyre tendered their resignations, leaving Tobin’s position increasingly untenable. In a letter addressed to the JCR committee they explained their decision, alleging that Tobin “has not been in keeping with the values of our community”. Specific details were not given, but were described as “alleged misconduct” involving “ongoing welfare issues.” In the notice of resignation to the entire Magdalen JCR, the three described their resignation as a result of “untenable working conditions within the JCR committee.”
In his resignation, Tobin said: “I came into the job thinking I could balance all on my plate…I thought I could still aim for a first and not fall into a terrible schedule of food and sleep, but I have”, adding, “I am behind on essays and now JCR emails and duties”.
The three committee members wrote that they had written a formal request to Tobin three days ago on 7th February, asking him to resign. He refused, and the members of the committee felt they had no other option and that this was “their last resort”.
Tobin was appointed to the post at the start of Hilary Term, taking over from previous President Daniel Dipper.
In response to the event, former Vice President Henry Kay told Cherwell that he was “shocked right now, but there were tremors of trouble on the horizon. Great shame that instability plagues Magdalen once again. One questions a person’s intentions in the role if they refuse to back down in the face of serious allegations and the whole exec resigning.”
