Oxford debating society ousts leader over Kirk comment

The prestigious Oxford debating society has voted to sack its new president over comments celebrating the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Oxford Union said.

More than the required two-thirds of the electorate, many of whom were graduates voting by proxy, supported the no-confidence measure against newly elected president George Abaraonye.

Abaraonye, ​​who is in his final year at University College, appealed the result due to procedural failings.

He was accused of chanting in a WhatsApp chat with fellow students after Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a rally at Utah Valley University last month.

Kirk and Abaraonye discussed toxic masculinity at an Oxford Union event in May.

After Abaraonye’s comments emerged, he was widely condemned and faced racist abuse and threats.

The union condemned the harassment but also condemned his remarks and launched disciplinary proceedings.

In a (since deleted) Instagram post, Abaraonye said the distrust he presented would restore accountability and reaffirm that the union is a place where students can make mistakes, apologize and learn from them.