2025-2026 Debates Board
The UDS Debates Board is made up of the Board of Ten, as well as two subcommittees. Each subcommittee has one representative on the Board of Ten. Members of the 2025-2026 Debates Board are listed below.
Flynn Whittaker
DEBATES OFFICER
Flynn is a fourth year student of Economics and Modern History. He is perhaps a little too keen to use the gavel.
Abbie Lewis
FIRST SECRETARY & CHIEF WHIP
Abbie is a second year student of modern languages (German and Spanish) from Stoke-on-Trent. She is an ex-national swimmer of 10 years and joined the UDS to improve her confidence.
Laurence Dunkley
TREASURER
James Sullivan
CLERK TO THE HOUSE
Jamie is a computer science and mathematics student. He loves running and swimming and is passionate about helping the UDS thrive for a long time coming.
Phoebe berlet
MEDIA OFFICER
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Birte Burkart
CHAIR OF WAYS AND MEANS
Birte is a final year International Relations and English undergraduate student. When she is not organising our weekly debates, you can find her with a book and a hot water bottle.
Arielle Friedlander
STEWARD TO THE HOUSE
Alexandros Avramidis
FATHER OF THE HOUSE
Alex is a 3rd year International Relations and Modern History student. He likes to bring up the fact that he is from Greece.
Parth Pandya
MOTHER OF THE HOUSE
Board of Ten
The official committee of the UDS. Members may vote on any amendment brought to the Board.
Birte Burkart
CHAIR OF WAYS AND MEANS
Birte is a final year International Relations and English undergraduate student. When she is not organising our weekly debates, you can find her with a book and a hot water bottle.
Ksenia Baatz
Public Debates Secretary
Ksenia is a first year Philosophy and Computer Science student. When not debating, she enjoys reading continental philosophers, gardening and playing chess and tennis.
Iain McGrigor
SERJEANT-AT-ARMS
Iain is a second year International Relations and Geography student originally from Edinburgh. Besides debating, Iain's hobbies include playing volleyball and theatre.
Public Subcommittee
Responsible for organising weekly public debates. The board is led by the Chair of Ways & Means.
Abbie Lewis
CHIEF WHIP
Abbie is a second year student of modern languages (German and Spanish) from Stoke-on-Trent. She is an ex-national swimmer of 10 years and joined the UDS to improve her confidence.
Owen Goodacre
TRAINING OFFICER
William Smith
COMPETITIONS SECRETARY
William is a neuroscience PhD student who has been part of the UDS in multiple capacities for years.
Zac Copely
Schools Outreach Officer
Miya Turner
Schools Competition Convenor
Miya is a first year student studying History, from Edinburgh. She lives by the sea in Edinburgh, making her used to the cold winds of the town. She is very excited to share her love of debating with all.
Applications open soon
Freshers’ Representative
Applications will open at the start of Semester 1 2025-2026.
Competitive Subcommittee
Responsible for organising weekly training sessions, competitions and schools outreach activities. The Competitive Subcommittee is led by the Chief Whip.