Lucy Powell, the newly appointed Education Secretary, has come under scrutiny for not publicly addressing the controversy surrounding sociology professor Jason Arday at the University of Cambridge. Arday resigned on Wednesday evening amid allegations of plagiarism and misrepresentation of his academic credentials, prompting an internal investigation by the university.
The scandal has sparked widespread criticism of Cambridge and reignited debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within British higher education. Several former education ministers and Conservative politicians have voiced strong concerns about the government’s lack of response to the situation.
Sir Gavin Williamson, former Education Secretary, described the incident as "deeply humiliating" for Cambridge but emphasized that the issue reflects broader problems affecting the UK’s university sector. He criticized the role of DEI initiatives, asserting they have contributed to a "wider rot" by undermining academic standards. Williamson called on Powell to engage directly with university leaders, particularly those at Cambridge, and to lead efforts to address how such issues can be prevented going forward.
Nadhim Zahawi, another former Tory education minister, echoed this sentiment, labeling Powell’s silence "unconscionable." He argued that the controversy is symptomatic of a systemic "bigotry of low expectations" that harms non-white academics by fostering perceptions of tokenism and enabling fraudulent claims. Zahawi demanded urgent government intervention, including summoning senior figures from Cambridge and the wider higher education sector to agree on removing DEI frameworks that, in his view, have facilitated such problems.
Suella Braverman, a former Cabinet minister and Reform party education spokesman, also criticized Powell, asserting the Education Secretary has "failed her first big test" by not taking a leading role or collaborating with regulatory bodies like the Office for Students to investigate the scandal.
Within Cambridge, there has been growing frustration over the university’s handling of Arday’s appointment. Douglas Hedley, professor of philosophy of religion and fellow at Clare College, questioned how Arday progressed so far despite a "mediocre CV" and limited publications, suggesting DEI culture played a decisive role. Hedley called for an independent investigation into the processes and academics involved in Arday’s career advancement, arguing that the university’s own inquiry falls short.
An anonymous Cambridge academic described the episode as "disastrous" for both the institution and the higher education sector more broadly. Ben Obese-Jecty, a Conservative MP, criticized the university’s decision to highlight Arday as the youngest black professor, characterizing it as a "tick box diversity exercise" that undermines genuine achievements by non-fictional scholars.
The Department for Education has yet to offer any further comments or indicate whether it has directly contacted Cambridge regarding the matter, stating it has "nothing further to add for now." The controversy continues to fuel calls for increased governmental oversight of university practices and DEI policies in the UK.