Jason Arday death 'tragedy on so many levels' says PM

Andy Burnham has described the death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday as "a tragedy on so many levels". Prof Arday was found dead at a property in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon after facing high-profile plagiarism allegations. The Metropolitan Police described his death as unexpected, but not suspicious.

The Prime Minister said: "It's a tragedy on so many levels, particularly for everybody who knew Jason. His family, his friends. We think of them today." Speaking to the BBC, he added: "It's not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It's a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this, a really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs. I think we just all today think of Jason, his contribution and his family and friends."

In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Arday's family said they were "in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son". They said a "campaign of misinformation" had been too much for him.

The 41-year-old resigned as a Cambridge professor of sociology of education last week after Cambridge University confirmed it would continue its investigation into the circumstances around his appointment and tenure.

In his open resignation letter, Prof Arday cited the "unrelenting level of public scrutiny". He said the "only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away".

He had faced allegations that he plagiarised his PhD thesis, completed at Liverpool John Moores University, and other research. An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.

In an update on Wednesday, Prof Prentice of Cambridge University said that the investigation would be carried out "independently by senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge".

Further questions were asked about other claims, including that he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised 5.5 million for charity. He also claimed to have appeared in the TV series Seven Up, which was broadcast two decades before he was born.

Last week, he admitted mistakes but denied the claims against him, saying he was not a liar and fantasist after a list of personal achievements were called into question.

A friend told the BBC that Prof Arday felt "destroyed" and he did not feel this moment would pass. He had also told a friend his US travel authorisation had been revoked.

His family said Jason was "subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years" since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University to become the institutions youngest black professor in 2023. They added that Prof Arday was a "gentle man who always wanted to see the best in everyone."

Education Secretary Lucy Powell offered her heartfelt condolences to his friends and family, writing she was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear of his death.

Prof Prentice also paid tribute, saying the faculty was "desperately saddened" to learn of his death. She added: "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."