UK VC Axed Over Sex Scandal: Top Academic Faces Humiliation

Tooley faces suspension over affair allegations

UK VC Axed Over Sex Scandal: Top Academic A significant controversy has arisen in the UK as James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, has been suspended over allegations of an affair with a woman from Hyderabad. The claims, involving financial and personal entanglements, have sparked ethical concerns in academic circles.

Allegations and Details

The scandal emerged after Tooley’s estranged wife, Cynthia, provided the university with diaries purportedly written by the Hyderabad woman. The diaries allege a sexual relationship with Tooley, now 65, which reportedly began after he supported her university tuition. The two reportedly met when the woman was 18, during Tooley’s work on a project in Hyderabad focused on affordable private education for underserved communities. The diaries suggest the relationship turned romantic when the woman was in her early twenties.

University Response

Following the accusations, Tooley denied the claims, labeling them “baseless and malicious,” and expressed confidence that the investigation would vindicate him. However, the University of Buckingham, the UK’s oldest private university, has initiated an independent inquiry. During this process, interim leadership has been established, comprising Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris.

Background and Reactions

Tooley, who has been Vice-Chancellor since 2020, is known for championing free speech and critiquing initiatives like diversity targets and curriculum decolonization. His wife Cynthia, a Nigerian entrepreneur and TV personality, brought the allegations forward after their separation earlier this year.

The University of Buckingham has pledged transparency and accountability as the investigation progresses, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining ethical standards.

UK University Vice-Chancellor Suspended Amid Affair Allegations Involving Hyderabad Woman

UK VC Axed Over Sex Scandal: Top Academic James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, has been suspended following allegations of an affair with a woman from Hyderabad. The claims, which surfaced after Tooley’s estranged wife, Cynthia, submitted the woman’s diaries as evidence, have raised questions about professional conduct and ethics.

Allegations and Timeline

The diaries allege that Tooley, who became vice-chancellor in 2020, financially supported the woman’s university education. She initially claimed to have met Tooley at 18 and entered a relationship with him three years later, but later revised her statement, saying their relationship began when she was 25. Their association reportedly started during Tooley’s involvement in a Hyderabad project focused on affordable private schooling for underserved communities and ended in 2019.

University’s Actions and Investigation

Cynthia, who married Tooley in 2022, notified the university about the alleged affair on October 11. She also reported “a suspicious object” at Tooley’s university residence, leading police to confiscate a junior air rifle. However, no criminal investigation was pursued.

The university has suspended Tooley and appointed Senior Counsel Joseph O’Brien KC to investigate the allegations, with a report expected before Christmas.

Responses and Background

Tooley has dismissed the claims as “baseless.” Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and recipient of an MBE in 2017, has made additional accusations against her estranged husband. The University of Buckingham has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency as the inquiry progresses.

This case has brought significant attention to ethical and personal boundaries within academic leadership.

UK University Vice-Chancellor Suspended Amid Affair Allegations with Hyderabad Woman

UK VC Axed Over Sex Scandal: Top Academic James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, has been suspended following allegations of an affair with a young woman from Hyderabad. The woman, now in her twenties, claims to have had a sexual relationship with the 65-year-old professor, who has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and malicious.”

Details of the Allegations

The allegations came to light after Tooley’s estranged wife, Cynthia, handed over diaries reportedly written by the woman to university authorities. These diaries detail a relationship that allegedly began after Tooley helped pay for her university education.

The woman claims to have met Tooley at 18, initially stating their relationship became sexual when she was 21, though she later revised her account, saying it began when she was 25. The relationship is said to have started after Tooley’s involvement in a Hyderabad project providing low-cost private schools for underprivileged communities. The diaries also mention that Tooley had known the woman’s father and financially supported her education.

University Response and Investigation

The University of Buckingham announced Tooley’s suspension in October following an emergency meeting prompted by Cynthia’s allegations. Interim leadership has been established, with Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris taking charge.

An independent inquiry led by Senior Counsel Joseph O’Brien KC is underway to investigate the claims, with findings expected before Christmas.

Statements and Background

Tooley, an advocate for free speech and academic freedom, has expressed confidence that he will be cleared of wrongdoing. His wife, Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and TV personality who married Tooley in 2022, reported additional concerns, including a “suspicious object” at his residence, which was later identified as a junior air rifle.

The University of Buckingham, established in 1976 as the UK’s first private university, has emphasized its commitment to maintaining ethical standards and transparency as the investigation proceeds.