OUCA Termcard Trinity Term 2025

Contents 2 3 9 10 12 13 16 19 21 23

President’s Welcome Speakers Campaigning Socials Port & Policy The Gadson Club Joint Events Get Involved Committee Calendar of Events

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Welcome to OUCA! We are the largest student political society in Europe and the centre of conservatism here in Oxford. For 101 years, OUCA has shaped the views and careers of four former Prime Ministers and countless Ministers and MPs including the newly elected Chancellor of the University.

Conservatism is not like the other ideologies we compete against. We are not defined by theories or policies or dogma. We are the ideology of instinct; driven by our love for one another and the things we hold dear. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely pin down what makes us part of the conservative family. We just are. This term, the speakers have been chosen to encapsulate the variety of opinion conservatives hold from both the UK and abroad so that we can begin to understand what unites us and identify some of those instincts we all share.

This term, we will also put some of these ideas into practice as we participate in campaigning and the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) with our local Party. I’m sure OUCA will do all it can to help in the approach to the upcoming elections.

Finally, OUCA would not be what it is without our fantastic socials. Whether it is a debate with our friends across the political aisle or simply a game of croquet under the Trinity sun, an OUCA social is bound to be a highlight of your week.

If you wonder where these strands can come together, look no further than Port and Policy. Our weekly debating event takes place every Sunday at 8:30pm. I can’t wait to see you there.

No matter who you are, what your politics are, or where you come from, you will find a home in OUCA. Best wishes,

Edmund Smith The President Corpus Christi College

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Speaker meetings are the heart of what we do in OUCA. This term we are delighted to be hosting such a range of speakers from peers, to think-tank experts, to former heads of state. From this range, we will surely learn much about the range of thought our party and ideology has to offer!

Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch has been the leader of the Conservative Party since November of last year and has served numerous posts in Cabinet including Minister for Women and Equalities and Secretary of State for International Trade.

This term, OUCA is honoured to be attending an exclusive private dinner with the Leader of the Opposition at a prestigious location in the heart of London.

Monday 9th June (7th Week) 4

Baroness Williams Baroness Williams of Trafford is the current Chief Opposition Whip in the House of Lords and has previously held positions in Home Affairs, Equalities and leader of Trafford Council.

Wednesday 1st May (1st Week) Venue: Exeter College

Sir Alan Duncan Sir Alan Duncan was MP for Rutland and Melton between 1992 and 2019. In that time he served as Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for Europe and the Americas.

Monday 5th May (2nd Week) Venue: TBC

Richard Holden Richard Holden is the current MP for Basildon and Billericay and held the position of Chairman of the Conservative Party under Rishi Sunak. He was part of the 2019 parliamentary intake representing a North Eastern constituency.

Friday 16th May (3rd Week) Venue: TBC

5

Álvaro Uribe Álvaro Uribe was President of Colombia between 2002 and 2010. He prioritised security policies, notably through an initiative targeting leftist guerrilla groups.

This led to outstanding reductions in violence, earning him both domestic support and international recognition.

Uribe has remained influential in Colombian politics, founding a conservative political party and serving as a Senator.​ He is also a former Senior Associate Member at St Antony’s College.

Date TBA

Jamil Mahuad Jamil Mahuad is a former President of Ecuador elected in 1998. His time in office is best known for the signing of a historic peace treaty with Peru and his decision to dollarize Ecuador's economy in response to a severe financial crisis. These economic measures sparked unrest, leading to his removal from office in a military-backed uprising. Mahuad served as Mayor of the capital of Ecuador, Quito, and held various public offices.

Thursday 29th May (5th Week) 6

Sir Gavin Williamson

Sir Gavin Williamson has served as the dedicated MP for South Staffordshire since the 2010 General Election. Since then, he served in multiple Cabinet positions including as Defence Secretary and as Chief Whip.

He continues to fight for the causes he believes in from the back benches. He is a lover of animals and a friend of both the people of Somaliland and ourselves at OUCA.

Thursday 15th May (3rd Week) Jesus College 7

James Cowling James Cowling is the founder and Managing Director of Next Gen Tories; a think tank focused on remaking the Party’s offering to voters under 45. This focuses on bridging the generational divide in British politics.

Friday 23rd May (4th Week) Venue: Jesus College

Dehenna Davison Dehenna Davison served as MP for Bishop Aukland between 2019 and 2024 and served as Under-Secretary of State for Levelling-Up. Monday 2nd June (6th Week) Venue: TBC

Lord Moore Lord Moore of Etchingham is a wellrenowned journalist and is the authorised biographer of our most famous alumna.

Join us as he performs his semidramatised account of the fall of Margaret Thatcher.

Wednesday 4th June (6th Week) Venue: Balliol College

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Nigel Huddleston Nigel Huddleston is the current MP for Droitwich and Evesham and Co-Chair of the Conservative Party. He is an OUCA alumnus and a board member for the Tory Reform Group (TRG).

Thursday 5th June (6th Week) Venue: Balliol College

Campaign with us!

OUCA is committed to campaigning for the Conservative Party in the community. With local elections looming and our preparations for the next General Election, this is a place for OUCA to truly make its mark!

For more information contact the Political Officer and keep an eye out for information on our Social Media.

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Oxford can be a stressful place with elections, essays, and exams coming in thick and fast.

However, what better way to unwind than at Oxford’s most fun political society? From old favourites like Wine, Cheese, and Poker to exciting games of croquet to our flagship Termly Dinner, there will be a social for everyone this term!

Welcome Back Drinks Kick off the term as we mean to go on with a classic OUCA bar crawl.

Saturday 26th April (0th Week) Venue: Chequers

Wine, Cheese, and Poker Beat the odds, or perhaps enjoy some excellent refreshment at our termly black tie poker night.

Wednesday 14th May (3rd Week) Venue: Jesus College

Croquet & Chardonnay Join the Chief of Staff and the committee for a casual afternoon of Trinity’s beautiful game.

Wednesday 28th May (5th Week) Venue: TBC

Karaoke Unwind from the stresses of 7th Week with an evening of singing and frivolity.

Tuesday 10th June (7th Week) Venue: The Mad Hatter

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Port & Policy

Port & Policy is OUCA’s flagship debate event, taking place every Sunday evening during term. Regardless of whether you are a Fresher joining us for the first time or a Finalist bidding us a fond farewell, P&P is everyone’s favourite place to discuss the issues of the day over a glass of fortified wine.

Sundays 8:30pm Follow us on Instagram for updates 12

The Gadson Club

The Gadson Club is the official OUCA alumni club. The club is run by recent graduates of the university, and provides the ideal opportunity for former members to maintain their political engagement beyond Oxford, including by: Meeting well-known figures from the Conservative Party, including Association alumni, at receptions and dinners Reconnecting with OUCA contemporaries and networking with OUCA members from other years Staying involved with the Association’s activities and events, such as London visits and termly dinners The annual Gadson Club Garden Party is an opportunity to hear more about the Club, meet current members of committee, and sign up to the mailing list while enjoying drinks and nibbles.

Saturday 10th May (2nd Week) Balliol College 13

Termly Dinner

Celebrate both the end of another wonderful term at OUCA and the end of the 24/25 academic year with the friendly faces of OUCA committee. Termly Dinner features all of the traditions of OUCA: thought-provoking conversation, fine cuisine, and most importantly, great company.

Stay tuned for updates and tickets on our social media.

Wednesday 18th June (8th Week) Pierre Victoire 14

This term, we are pleased to be collaborating with organisations both near and far ranging from our friends at two right-wing think tanks, the Other Place, and to our colleagues across the aisle here at Oxford...

Mock PMQs

Think you can do a better job than Starmer, Badenoch, or Davey? Then join us in the illustrious surroundings of Oxford Town Hall as we take on our Liberal and Labour friends in friendly battle of oratory and policy.

Come along to challenge the opposition and, who knows, even change some minds...

Thursday 8th May (2nd Week) Oxford Town Hall 16

Think Tank Drinks Reception with the

OUCA is hosting the Adam Smith Institute, who are here to talk to us about all things British politics, free-market economics and careers in Westminster. Open to all (not just OUCA!), the ASI team is here to answer questions about different careers in politics and think tanks (Research, Communications, Public Affairs and more) and spread the good word of free-market, classical economics over wine and nibbles. Come along if you're interested!

Friday 9th May (2nd Week) Magdalen College 17

Varsity Campaign Day Let’s join forces with our colleagues over at CUCA to help on a bumper campaign trip followed by time to socialise.

Saturday 17th May (3rd Week)

Liquor & Liberalism Join our Liberal friends to debate all things liberal in a special joint instalment of their weekly event Wednesday 21st May (4th Week) Venue: Mansfield College

Crewdate Sconces, pennies, and shoes galore at OUCA’s famous termly Crewdate.

Date TBA

Cricket Match Don your whites and enjoy a goodnatured game of cricket with other political societies.

Saturday 31st May (5th Week) Venue: Uni Parks

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Get Involved

Elections: Nominations for our termly election open in 5th Week of Term for the positions of President-Elect, Treasurer-elect, Secretary, Political Officer, Junior Officer, and Committee. The election takes place in 7th Week.

Electoral Official: If election does not appeal to you, why not join the team which helps ensure elections run smoothly and fairly. Please contact the Returning Officer for more information.

Welfare roles: Help ensure that our members feel safe and supported by nominating to be Welfare Officer or Women’s Officer. For more information contact the President.

Activist Points: Activist Points are awarded at the discretion of the President to recognise work done to support the Association, including attendance at events, campaigning, social action work, and writing articles for our blog or magazine (Blueprint). Members seeking election must gain the requisite number of points as shown opposite.

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Presidentelect

SOs

JOs

Committee

Speakers

40

35

30

20

Socials

25

20

15

10

Campaigning

20

20

15

5

Social Action

15

15

10

5

Publications

20

10

10

5

Any

30

25

10

5

Total

150

125

90

50

Speakers / Socials: 5 points per event attended, unless otherwise specified in Council.

Campaigning: 5 points per half-day; 10 points for a full day or an away day; 3 points for a Conservative Policy Forum meeting Social action: 5 points per voluntary activity approved by the Political Officer Publications: 5 points for 500+ word articles, 10 points for 1000+ words. Articles must be the original and sole work of the candidate. If submitted to the Publications Editor no later than Sunday of 5th Week, articles deemed worthy of inclusion in our magazine, Blueprint, shall be awarded an additional 5 point bonus.

Port and Policy: 2 points per event added Council: 1 point per meeting attended If a sign-down sheet is available, you must sign your name to receive points.

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Officers & Committee

Edmund Smith President Corpus Christi College

Elias Bazard Treasurer St Catherine’s College

Maya Kapila Secretary Christ Church

Karl Eichholz Political Officer Worcester College

Joseph Kay President-Elect Worcester College

Harriet Dolby Treasurer-Elect Lady Margaret Hall

Lucas Kirk Returning Officer Corpus Christi College

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Zahra Saeed Social Secretary Balliol College

Ben Ashworth Comms Director Christ Church

Lydia Diciccio Toby Bowes-Lyon Publications Editor Whip St Catherine’s College Christ Church

Michael Leslie Victor Marroquín Chief of Staff Graduate Officer Corpus Christi College St Cross College

Charles Chadwick ARO St Anne’s College

Ben Heyes Committee Oriel College

Adam Ballman SDRO Magdalen College

Jingyi He Committee Christ Church

Women’s Officer

Ellie Ruth Williams, Regent’s Park College

Welfare Officer

Kardo Beck, St Hugh’s College

Patron Rt Hon Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton Honorary President Rt Hon Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg Senior Member Dr Edward Howell

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Week

Sunday

1

Port & Policy

2

Port & Policy

3

Port & Policy

4

Port & Policy

5

Port & Policy

Monday

Tuesday

Sir Alan Duncan

6

Port & Policy

Dehenna Davison

7

Port & Policy

Kemi Badenoch

8

Port & Policy

All events are subject to change/cancellation

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Karaoke

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

ASI Think Tank Drinks

Gadson Club Garden Party

Richard Holden

Varsity Campaigning

Baroness Williams

Mock PMQs

Sir Gavin Williamson

Liquor & Liberalism

James Cowling

Croquet & Chardonnay

Lord Moore

Cricket Match

Nigel Huddleston

Termly Dinner

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“To be conservative, then, is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried, fact to mystery, the actual to the possible, the near to the distant”