Source: Cardiff University

Earlier this month, Cardiff was set to announce the comedian and broadcaster as the university¡¯s new chancellor but this was put on hold at the last minute after academics objected that the current chancellor, the Nobel prize-winning scientist Sir Martin Evans, had not been given the chance to continue in the post.

The university had sent out a press release announcing Mr Rhys Jones as the new chancellor ¨C including pictures of him in ceremonial robes ¨C two days before the decision was due to be debated by the court.

A spokesman for Cardiff today said it was ¡°very sorry¡± for ¡°creating the circumstances that led Griff Rhys Jones to step aside¡±.

In a letter to Cardiff vice-chancellor Colin Riordan, Mr Rhys Jones says that he can see the university needs ¡°a period of reconsideration and re-evaluation¡±.

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¡°It may well be that the council wants to re-offer the post to the incumbent, Sir Martin Evans. Sir Martin may decide to take it or step aside. I feel, however, that my presence only makes this a more complicated process for everyone concerned. I believe it better that I should withdraw,¡± he writes.

¡°I can¡¯t say that I am offering my resignation. I haven¡¯t yet been appointed. But I do not want to be further considered for this post,¡± he continues.

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¡°I was honoured to be chosen¡­But at the moment I feel that any further association would only be the subject of dispute and that would not be good for the council or the court or the university,¡± Mr Rhys Jones says.

A spokesman for Cardiff said that Sir Martin has said he would be willing to serve another five-year term and that the council would consider the position at a meeting on 19 May.

He blamed the confusion around Mr Rhys Jones¡¯ appointment on ¡°internal rules and procedures¡± and that Cardiff¡¯s ¡°ongoing friendship with Griff Rhys Jones was never in question¡±.

david.matthews@tsleducation.com