The extraordinary returning officer was allegedly subjected to “obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility by a number of representatives”, a notice signed by the returning officer stated. “The extraordinary returning officer was subject to obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility by a number of representatives, and on account of this had no choice but to informally suspend the process as co-operation and progress was rendered untenable. Mr Kirk, a 31-year-old father-of-two, was a Donald Trump ally and co-founder and chief executive of the right-wing youth organisation Turning Point USA. Posting on social media last week, Oxford Stand Up To Racism said Mr Abaraonye has faced a tirade of racist abuse online since. Oxford Union’s statement in September condemned the racial abuse and threats Mr Abaraonye has faced.

Source: The Times October 21, 2025 09:16 UTC