James Tooley, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, has been suspended amidst serious allegations of an affair with a young woman from Hyderabad, sparking controversy both within academic circles and the broader public domain. The accusations involve claims that the 65-year-old professor engaged in a sexual relationship with the woman, whom he reportedly supported financially by covering her university tuition fees. The allegations surfaced when Tooley’s wife, Cynthia, handed over diary entries allegedly written by the woman to the university. These diaries reportedly detail their relationship, which began under contentious circumstances.
The suspension was announced in October after an emergency meeting at the university, though the news has only recently come to public attention. Tooley, who has been a prominent figure in education policy, vehemently denies the accusations, describing them as “baseless and malicious.” Through his lawyer, he expressed confidence in being cleared of all allegations. The controversy has raised significant questions about personal ethics and professional conduct at one of the UK’s leading private universities.
The young woman, according to excerpts of her diary quoted by The Times, claims she first met Tooley when she was 18 through a project he was spearheading in Hyderabad to establish affordable private schools for underprivileged communities. The relationship allegedly turned sexual when she was either 21 or 25—conflicting accounts have emerged on this detail. In the diary, she described Tooley as kind and respectful, rejecting accusations that he exploited his position of power and wealth. “He is a good man who cares deeply about others,” she wrote, adding that her feelings for him were genuine.
The scandal gained further traction when Cynthia Tooley, a 42-year-old Nigerian-born entrepreneur and media personality, filed complaints about her husband’s alleged affair. Cynthia, who married Tooley in 2022, reported her findings to the university shortly after the couple separated earlier this year. The two now communicate solely through legal representatives. Alongside the allegations of infidelity, Cynthia also raised concerns about a “suspicious object” found at the vice-chancellor’s residence, which turned out to be a junior air rifle.
The University of Buckingham has since issued a formal statement announcing Tooley’s suspension and an independent inquiry to investigate the claims. “The Vice-Chancellor has been suspended following several serious allegations. It is our intention to carry out an independent inquiry to ascertain the veracity of these claims,” the statement read. In Tooley’s absence, interim leadership has been established, with Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris assuming co-head responsibilities.
James Tooley, a Ph.D. holder from the University of London, is an internationally recognized advocate for free speech and academic autonomy. He has previously been vocal against diversity quotas and the decolonization of university curricula, positioning himself as a defender of traditional academic values. His suspension marks a significant moment in the history of the University of Buckingham, the UK’s oldest private university, founded in 1976.
The case has broader implications for the university's reputation, raising concerns about institutional governance and accountability. With Tooley’s legacy tied to his work in education reform, including his efforts to bring affordable schooling to marginalized communities, the outcome of the inquiry will not only determine his professional fate but also influence how issues of ethics and power dynamics are addressed in academic institutions worldwide.
The independent investigation, which is expected to delve deeply into the claims, will likely examine Tooley’s involvement in the Hyderabad project, his financial support of the woman, and the nature of their interactions. The controversy has sparked debates over the responsibilities of academic leaders and the fine line between professional boundaries and personal conduct. It also underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by public figures in higher education, particularly in an era where transparency and accountability are prioritized.
This ongoing case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of alleged misconduct at the intersection of personal and professional spheres, with its resolution likely to set a precedent for handling similar situations in the future.
