Incoming President of Union Affairs Resigns

President-Elect of Union Affairs, Trinity Gortschacher, has resigned from the role with immediate effect.

On 16 May 2025, the St Andrews Students’ Union issued a statement announcing that Gortschacher had “made the very difficult decision to step down from the position for the 2025/26 academic year.”

Gortschacher, who ran unopposed, was confirmed as the incoming sabbatical officer on 16 April following the Students’ Association Elections, with their term scheduled to begin on 21 July.

In a statement shared exclusively with The Saint, the former candidate explained, “Circumstances change. Like I said in the Union’s statement, I made this decision following a period of careful reflection and discussion with those closest to me, and I did not make it lightly.”

Gortschacher’s manifesto pledged to “put students first in all policy and representation”, lead “with collaboration, not ego”, and ensure support was “easy to access and actually made sense”. They had said they were “ready to lead with purpose, care, and a drive to make real change”, promising a Union that felt “more human, accessible, and student-powered”.

The President of Union Affairs role was created as a new position through the Democracy Review in December 2024. It is not a direct replacement for the former Students’ Association President post, but part of a restructured, non-hierarchical sabbatical team of five equal presidential officers.

The role focuses on the strategic development of the Students’ Association and includes a seat on the University Court, giving its holder a direct voice in the University’s highest decision-making body.

It is a full-time, paid position with responsibilities including leading on Union policy, representing students on key University committees, and acting as an ambassador for the student body. The President of Union Affairs is also expected to ensure the Students’ Association remains ethical, financially sustainable, and environmentally responsible, while working closely with staff and fellow officers.

Gortschacher added that personal considerations ultimately influenced their choice: “I have always felt a duty to support the Students’ Association and the student community, but I also have a duty to my family and to myself. Taking up a full-time Exec-Officer position is not the right decision for me at this time.”

“Stepping down from this role does not mean stepping away”, they said. “When I nominated myself to stand in the election, I made a promise to support the Association, the incoming team, and our student community in every way I can. This remains true.”

“I will continue to use my skills and experience to further our mission; what that will look like, I cannot say, it is up to the Association to decide where I am needed, but I will continue to make myself useful until I graduate next summer.”

A potential future return is not off the table, as Gortschacher noted that they “would absolutely consider putting myself forward for the role again during the next election cycle if I can help meet the moment then.”

“I care deeply about our Union and our mission because I am a prime example of why the work we do matters — I came to St Andrews during Covid, and while I felt isolated from my coursemates, I found my community here.”

Speaking about the support they received, they shared, “Even now, during the period leading up to my resignation, the sheer amount of kindness and support the Association has given me is to be commended. I will be forever grateful for that.”

Looking to the future, the former President-Elect expressed hopes for their successor, “I can only hope that whoever chooses to nominate themselves in the by-election will do so for the same reasons I did — because they care about the work that needs to be done and know how crucial this coming year is going to be for the post and the future of the Association.”

“We’re entering a period of transition, with the Change Programme coming to an end and the Democracy Review being implemented, and we need to move through it with strength and an Exec Team united on issues that matter — for the Association and for the student body.”

As the position was won uncontested, the Union will now hold a by-election to fill the sabbatical vacancy. Preparations are already underway, with the process expected to begin next week.

The Saint has reached out to a Union representative for comment. 

As this story continues to break, this article shall be updated periodically.

Photo by the St Andrews' Students Association