Andy Burnham calls death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday 'a tragedy on so many levels'

Andy Burnham has called the death of a former University of Cambridge professor, who was the subject of plagiarism allegations, a "tragedy on so many levels".

Jason Arday was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea in London on Friday afternoon.

The 41-year-old, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, resigned as a professor of sociology of education last week.

The prime minister told broadcasters during a visit to Cornwall: "It's a tragedy on so many levels, but particularly just for everybody who knew Jason, his family obviously, his friends. We think of them today.

"It's not a moment for any rushing to judgement. It's a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this."

Dr Arday's family told of their "shock" following his death and said he had faced a "campaign of misinformation".

It followed reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis while at Liverpool John Moores University.

Other claims also came under scrutiny, including that he ran 600 miles in six days, and raised millions for charity.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Sadly, a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

"At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious."

According to a Cambridge biography, Dr Arday was diagnosed with a form of autism that meant he couldn't speak until 11, or read and write until he was 18.

But some who said they attended school with him questioned those claims, telling media he was often quiet but not mute.

His supporters, meanwhile, said the intense scrutiny he was under was linked to racism.

Dr Arday's family said they are "in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son".

"The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone," they added.

Professor Deborah Prentice, vice chancellor at the University of Cambridge said: "We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

In Dr Arday's resignation letter, he told colleagues: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.

"The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."

He said his resignation shouldn't "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me".

Dr Arday's friend, barrister Jolyon Maugham, told Sky News he had been speaking to Dr Arday nearly every day. He said he had tried to reassure him after the academic said he thought his life was over.

Mr Maugham criticised the intense media coverage and questioned whether there was a legitimate public interest in the case - especially after Dr Arday resigned.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said that Dr Arday "deserved due process and fairness".

"I don't believe this was ever simply about 'professional conduct' or 'plagiarism'," he said in a statement.

"There is a profound difference between scrutiny and a sustained public campaign that turns an individual into a symbol of everything the right believes is wrong with DEI.

"The effect has been chilling. It tells black people and others from underrepresented backgrounds that entering prominent public positions will make you a target."

Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy told Sky News that Dr Arday had been the victim of a media "witch hunt" before his death and "people jumped on the bandwagon".

London mayor Sadiq Khan wrote on X: "(Jason Arday) faced an unacceptable public hounding and campaign of abuse.

"I know many Londoners will be angry and upset this evening. Jason Arday was the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn't have faced."

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The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Dr Arday's thesis contained "more than 100 passages that are identical or nearly identical to a 2009 PhD thesis" by a Brunel University student - although it said he credited the student 17 times.

Liverpool John Moores University previously said it conducted a "confidential procedure" after being notified about the plagiarism claims in September and that his PhD "still stands".

The University of Cambridge initially said he was the target of a "vile" smear campaign but this week announced an independent investigation into his appointment.

Dr Arday's memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is due to be published on 27 August, but the publisher faced calls to postpone its release. Last week, he cancelled promotional events for it.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Andy Burnham calls death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday 'a tragedy on so many