Chris Mullan has been dismissed from his post as President of KCLSU by a three-man disciplinary panel - an action that may go against the Union’s own governing document.

London Student understands that Mullan received a letter last week saying he had been dismissed from his post. He now has the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Although certain students will be happy to hear that Mullan has been removed, the manner of his removal raises serious questions about KCLSU’s independence.

King’s College is understood to have been putting pressure on the union to kick him out.

The disciplinary panel consisted of a trustee, Union Chief Executive Steve Vaid, and King’s College academic registrar Brian Salter.

There’s confusion over which of KCLSU’s Articles of Association allow the President to be removed like this.

The only two references to a trustee being removed say it can be done by “a resolution of the members passed by a two thirds majority at a general meeting” or “a two-thirds majority of the Elected Trustees.”

KCLSU refused to comment on Mullan’s employment status, referring London Student to a previous statement saying: “The trustees have been considering his actions and reviewing them against, amongst other things, the trustee Code of Conduct which he and all other trustees have signed.

“The disciplinary process we are following in respect of Chris’ employment is the statutory procedure defined by ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, which is an independent body for employers and employees) and involves three steps: A statement in writing of what it is the employee is alleged to have done, a meeting to discuss the situation, and the right of appeal.

“We are now at step two of the employment disciplinary process. We aim to keep you informed as this proceeds, but you will appreciate that we cannot enter into a debate or publish any details at present.”

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