James Orr, an associate professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Cambridge and former head of policy for the British political party Reform UK, has stepped down from two key academic management roles amid ongoing media scrutiny. Orr relinquished his position as chair of the Faculty of Divinity’s undergraduate exam board—a role that involves overseeing final exams and grading—and will no longer assume the expected role as convener of the philosophy of religion master's degree program.

The decision follows a series of controversies involving Orr. Earlier investigations revealed that he had been subject to two complaints from former students, one of which resulted in the university paying a £5,000 settlement and issuing a formal apology from the Divinity faculty. A separate Channel 4 News report aired last month accused Orr of potentially breaching electoral law by soliciting political donations from foreign nationals while serving as Reform UK’s head of policy. Following the broadcast, the Metropolitan Police announced an investigation into whether the party violated electoral regulations. Both Orr and a senior Reform aide, Dan Jukes, have denied any wrongdoing. However, despite an internal inquiry by Reform UK clearing them of illegal actions, both remain suspended from the party.

Cambridge University has not confirmed whether it is conducting an internal investigation related to Orr, but sources familiar with the situation indicated that Orr’s withdrawal from the management roles was initiated after he requested a review of his duties due to the recent media attention. University officials described the change as a reduction of Orr’s administrative responsibilities, with his duties largely confined to lecturing and student supervision for the current academic year.

Orr had publicly anticipated continuing in his chair and convener roles when the academic term began in October. In a statement, he said he sought “different administrative responsibilities” to minimize distractions for colleagues amid the intense scrutiny. He declined to specify his new responsibilities.

Further concerns emerged as part of the ongoing investigation regarding claims about Orr’s housing of students in his personal residence, which raised questions related to conflicts of interest and student safeguarding. Orr denied any misconduct and reported receiving repeated assurances from the university that his housing arrangements complied with institutional policies. The university has stated that it has no evidence that Orr’s external political role negatively affected his contractual academic duties.

The controversy has drawn attention from within Cambridge’s academic community. Michael Banner, director of studies in theology at Trinity College, noted that some faculty members had raised concerns with the university’s Vice-Chancellor regarding Orr’s commitment to his teaching and administrative responsibilities. Banner suggested these concerns were initially dismissed, yet indicated there may have been underlying unease about Orr’s capacity to effectively fulfill certain positions.

Orr resumed undergraduate lecturing in ethics earlier this month, continuing his academic involvement despite scaling back his managerial roles in the Divinity faculty.