Plymouth University's board of governors' chairman stands down

The chairman of Plymouth University's board of governors has announced he is standing down. Retired Judge William Taylor is being investigated over claims of sexual harassment. He said it was in the best interests of the University.

The allegations against Judge Taylor, which he strenuously denies, came from the University's Vice-Chancellor Wendy Purcell after she was placed on leave for an unknown reason earlier this year.

It means there are now two separate investigations going on at the university into the behaviour of two of its most prominent figureheads. Today's announcement from Judge Taylor comes after reports in the local media about his presence on campus while this investigation is underway.

He said today that following the media speculation, his presence on the board, whether as chairman or not, was not in the best interests of the university. Acting chairman of the board, Steve Pearce, said Judge Taylor had worked tirelessly for the university