Shakira Martin re-elected as National Union of Students president

Shakira Martin has been re-elected as president of the National Union of Students, after winning a majority in the first round of the ballot.

Ms Martin secured 50.9 per cent of the vote, beating Sahaya James, campaigns officer at University of the Arts Students’ Union, and Momin Saqib, president at King’s College London Students’ Union.

Speaking in response to the vote, which took place at the union’s national conference in Glasgow, Ms Martin said she was “so humbled to have been re-elected”.

“I’m honestly shocked I ever made it here in the first place, and I’m so thankful to everyone in the student movement who has supported me,” she said.

“Now it’s time for our movement to get real on student issues, as well as to be honest about ourselves. I’m so excited to work with my next national officer team to create a truly united NUS, fit for tomorrow and fit for the future.”

Ms Martin became president of the NUS last year, after holding the position of NUS vice-president (further education).

Also at the conference, Amatey Doku was re-elected as vice-president (higher education).

ellie.bothwell@timeshighereducation.com