When University of London students elected Kamran Ansari as their representative, they voted for Halal and Kosher catering, the creation of more work experience opportunities, and a leader who promised to coordinate the fight against rising top-up fees.

Omitted from this glossy manifesto was the small matter that Ansari had already accepted an internship at an investment bank, and could not work the first portion of his term.

The election race saw Ansari clinch the £21,000 a year job in the third stage of transferable votes, defeating Laura Purll and Bolanle Owode-Oyelaja.

The term was due to begin in mid-July, but Ansari did not start work until September 1.

Student leaders are angry that voters were not told of the planned stint at Barclays Capital. LSE General Secretary Aled Dilwyn Fisher said it was unfair to voters and other candidates not to declare his plans.

“The fact that he did not suggests a lack of seriousness about the job and a lack of respect for the students he will soon represent,” said Fisher.

“Summer has been absolutely essential to me in terms of organising for next year - it could never be enough time to prepare. I cannot therefore understand how a leading officer can feel comfortable about their time in office without an effective handover and preparatory period over the summer.”

Ansari rejected the criticism, saying: “It’s an inaccurate and unfair judgment. I’m constantly liaising with staff at ULU and [Vice President] Sharn Kalsi.

“I hope that people elected me on the basis on that I would do a good job, not that I would be there for 12 months”

Ansari pointed out that he attended ULU for two weeks in May to receive a handover from outgoing acting president Joe Martin.

He was not paid by ULU for the two weeks in May, and began paid employment on 1 September.

Ansari also told London Student he had discussed his prior commitment with Returning Officer Steven Williams, who had informed him he would not have to declare it.

Williams refused to confirm or deny this, stating “I can unequivocally state that to my knowledge all the candidates who stood for vacant posts in the recent ULU elections were bona fide candidates.”

Asked if “bona fide” included candidates who would not be able to work until September and who neglected to inform the electorate, Williams replied: “I do understand your persistence but can only, as politely as possible, refer you to my earlier reply”.

Fisher says such a ruling is beyond the Returning Officer’s powers, and beside the point. “The problem isn’t that he didn’t clear it with his superiors - it’s that he didn’t clear it with voters! I’m surprised he doesn’t understand this.”

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