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It speaks volumes that Brian Roper's resignation as vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University was announced not by him, but by Peter Anwyl, the chair of the board of governors.

Many questions remain, however: how did inaccurate information get passed to the Higher Education Funding Council for England? Why is Roper still going to draw a salary until the end of the year? How can executive members be allowed to keep bonuses that were obtained while erroneous data returns on student completion were being sent to Hefce? While the sums involved are not in the same league as the banking crisis, there is just as much reason for a public inquiry. As we are in receipt of taxpayers' money, there may be even more justification.

Colleagues here are desperately hoping that these events might mark a shift to a less belligerent and more consultative management style, but they aren't holding their breath.

David Hardman, Branch chair, UCU, London Metropolitan University.