UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for reflection following the death of Jason Arday, the former Cambridge University professor who had been at the centre of a plagiarism row. Arday, 41, was found dead on Friday, nine days after resigning from his positions at Cambridge and Jesus College.

His family said he had been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse for more than three years after accepting the professorship. They described him as a gentle man who always tried to see the best in others, and noted that the pressure had become too much for him.

Arday became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023. He had claimed the criticism against him was racially motivated.

The controversy grew after allegations that parts of his doctoral thesis were plagiarised and that some of his personal achievements had been embellished.

Speaking to reporters, Burnham said it was not a moment for rushing to judgement. He described the death as a tragedy on many levels and urged people to reflect on how the situation had reached this point.

Cambridge University expressed deep sadness at the news. Police said the death was being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner. Colleagues and supporters have also highlighted Arday’s vulnerability as someone diagnosed with autism.

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