The chair of governors at the centre of a bitter internal rift at Plymouth University has stepped down as he continues to strenuously deny allegations of sexual harassment.

William Taylor announced today he was leaving his post on Plymouth¡¯s board of governors, stating the ¡°very public focus¡± on him ¡°potentially distracts¡± a university sub-committee from its current investigation into the conduct of vice-chancellor Wendy Purcell.

Professor Purcell has been ¡°placed on leave¡± since July, but Plymouth has declined to state the reason for her absence.

In late August, it was announced that Mr Taylor, a retired crown court judge, was to ¡°step aside¡± as chairman amid claims that he sexually harassed female staff and student representatives.

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According to BBC News online, complaints against Mr Taylor include claims he made lewd jokes and subjected women to unwanted touching in the form of holding hands for minutes at a time and kissing.

In a statement, Mr Taylor said the ¡°allegations are either wholly untrue or are grotesque distortions of the facts¡±.

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¡°Indeed, my family, friends and those who know me best do not recognise these matters and, like myself, question the motives of those who have made them,¡± he added.

However, he accepted that his continued presence at Plymouth was now a distraction from its core work.

¡°I have come to the very reluctant decision that my continued presence on the board whether or not as its chairman may not serve the best interests of the university, as I have always strived to do,¡± he said.

Acting chair Steve Pearce thanked Mr Taylor for his eight years at the university, saying he had ¡°worked tirelessly¡±.

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¡°He has worked hard to create partnerships and build relationships with outside organisations to advance the university¡¯s mission and success of our students,¡± he said.

He added that ¡°concerted media coverage and anonymous leaks at a time when two confidential investigations are taking place have meant that he has been unable to respond¡±.

The separate investigation into the vice-chancellor¡¯s conduct will also continue and is at an ¡°advanced stage¡±, according to the university.

jack.grove@tesglobal.com