Oxford Union's next president 'celebrated Charlie Kirk's killing'

The leaked messages, which have been widely shared on social media, appeared to show Mr Abaraonye writing: “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go".

A separate message, believed to be from his Instagram account, read: “Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - an elongated version of the "laugh out loud" acronym.

Mr Abaraonye had engaged in a debate with the conservative activist at the Oxford Union in May, just one month before he was elected president of the prestigious society.

Mr Kirk and the student debated the issue of "toxic masculinity" and butted heads over its consequences on young men and women.

The student had previously served as the Oxford African and Caribbean Society's vice-president, a role which saw him sit on the Race Equality Task Force to "engage in conversations on racial diversity with [the] wider university”.

The Race Equality Task Force at the university was set up in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 to “promote racial equality” and focus on “decolonising” the curriculum at Oxford.

After the leaked messages sparked furious backlash across social media, Mr Abaraonye set his account to private, preventing anyone from accessing his posts.

In response to the messages, the Oxford Union published a statement which read: "The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regards to the passing of Charlie Kirk.

"His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union's current leadership or committee's view.

"In alignment with the statement published by out society earlier today, we reaffirm our stance that the Oxford Union firmly opposes all forms of political violence and strongly stands by our commitment to free speech and considerate debate.

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"We would like to reiterate that our condolences lie with Charlie Kirk's family, especially his wife and young children, who are enduring such terrible grief."

The student was accepted into the distinguished university despite achieving ABB at A-Levels, two grades below the standard grade requirement of AAA for Oxford's PPE course.

Conservative MP Gregory Stafford has now called on the society to take action against the student, confirming he had "written to the returning officer to demand an urgent disciplinary investigation".

Mr Stafford wrote: "The President of the Oxford Union is there to represent the Union and its members. By his words, Mr Abaraonye has gravely undermined that responsibility and brought the Union into serious disrepute.

"To give the impression of endorsing violence against a recent guest of the society is wholly incompatible with the traditions of free speech, respect, and integrity that the Union stands for.

"Disciplinary action must therefore be taken. I urge that Mr Abaraonye be suspended from office pending a full and impartial investigation.

"Due process is essential, but in light of these reported remarks it is hard to see how he can credibly take up the presidency. He is not fit to represent the Union or its membership."

A spokesman for Oxford University said: “The Oxford Union is independent of the university.

"We deplore comments appearing to endorse violence - they are unacceptable and entirely contrary to the values of our community.”