University Vice-Chancellor Accused of Inappropriate Relationship with 20-Year-Old Student

Tooley suspended over misconduct allegations

University Vice-Chancellor Accused of Inappropriate Relationship A major controversy has erupted over the suspension of James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, following serious allegations related to his conduct and personal life. The suspension, announced via email to nearly 4,000 staff members in October, has drawn mixed reactions, with some senior academics claiming Tooley is being unfairly targeted due to his “right-wing” views, according to The Telegraph.

The allegations, brought forward by his estranged wife, Cynthia, include claims of an inappropriate relationship with a woman from Hyderabad during Tooley’s time working there. Cynthia also accused him of owning a junior air rifle. She reportedly handed over diaries written by the Hyderabad woman, which detail an alleged romantic relationship that began when Tooley supported her university tuition fees. The connection is said to have developed during Tooley’s involvement in an educational project in India aimed at providing affordable learning opportunities to underprivileged communities.

While the Hyderabad woman described Tooley as respectful, Cynthia’s accusations led to an emergency meeting at the university in October, ultimately resulting in his suspension for misconduct. Critics argue that Tooley, a prominent advocate for low-cost education in developing nations, has been treated unfairly.

An independent panel has been established to investigate the matter, and its initial discussions have reportedly raised concerns about the handling of Tooley’s case. Appointed as Vice-Chancellor in 2020, Tooley has gained recognition for his work on education access and equity.

University Vice-Chancellor Accused of Inappropriate Relationship James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, was suspended in October over “serious allegations,” including claims of an affair with a woman in India. According to The Telegraph, the accusations were brought forward by his estranged wife, Cynthia, who also alleged that Tooley owned a junior air rifle. The university announced his suspension in an email to nearly 4,000 staff and students on October 11, with the decision made by Mark Qualter, Chair of the University Council.

Cynthia claimed the 65-year-old academic had been involved with a woman in Hyderabad during his work there in his fifties. Tooley, who has served as Vice-Chancellor since 2020, is recognized for his efforts to establish low-cost private schools in developing countries, as reported by the BBC.

However, some senior academics criticized the university’s actions, suggesting the allegations were used as a pretext to remove him due to his “right-wing” views. Tooley, known for advocating free speech and opposing “cancel culture” on British campuses, has faced both support and opposition within the institution.

An independent investigation panel has been convened to examine the allegations and the university’s handling of the case. During a recent meeting, panel members expressed concerns about the treatment of Professor Tooley, according to The Telegraph.

University Vice-Chancellor Accused of Inappropriate Relationship 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, alleged in her diaries that she had a sexual relationship with the 65-year-old professor. Tooley, who has denied the accusations, described them as “baseless and malicious” through a statement issued by his lawyer, expressing confidence that he would be vindicated.

The allegations came to light after Tooley’s estranged wife, Cynthia, handed over copies of the woman’s diaries to the university. Cynthia, a 42-year-old Nigerian-born entrepreneur and TV personality, reported the claims to university authorities on October 11, triggering an emergency meeting that led to Tooley’s suspension. The suspension was formally announced in a letter later that month.

The woman alleged that her relationship with Tooley began after he helped fund her university tuition fees during his work on a project in Hyderabad that focused on providing affordable private schooling to underprivileged communities. She reportedly first met Tooley when she was 18, with their relationship allegedly becoming sexual when she was either 21 or 25, as reported by The Times and the Daily Mail. The woman described Tooley as kind and respectful in her diaries, refuting claims that he exploited her due to his position or wealth.

Cynthia also accused Tooley of possessing a “suspicious object” at his residence, which was later identified as a junior air rifle. Her accusations have added to the scrutiny surrounding the professor, who has been known for his advocacy of free speech and criticism of diversity targets and curriculum decolonization efforts.

The university has appointed Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris as interim co-leaders while an independent inquiry investigates the allegations. Founded in 1976, the University of Buckingham is the UK’s oldest private university. Tooley, who previously worked at Newcastle University and holds a PhD from the University of London’s Institute of Education, had been leading the university since 2020, succeeding historian Sir Anthony Seldon.