Mayor of London says Cambridge University professor Jason Arday died after facing ‘campaign of abuse’

He said that he is ‘devastated’ for his friends and family

The Mayor of London has spoken out about the death of Cambridge University professor Jason Arday. The Metropolitan Police said officers attended Daley Thompson Way in Battersea, where the academic Jason Arday lived, on Friday afternoon (August 14).

It was there a 41-year-old man was found “unresponsive” and later pronounced dead at the scene. The force said: “police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 15:12hrs on Friday, 14 August following a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property on Daley Thompson Way, SW8.

“Sadly, a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.” In a statement, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Prof Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, quit following a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – and other research.

Further questions were asked in the press about the truth of other claims he made, including saying he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised £5.5 million for charity. An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.

Durham and Glasgow universities are investigating the circumstances around Prof Arday’s appointment to academic posts there and Cambridge’s Jesus College has accepted his resignation from his fellowship, according to Prof Prentice. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said that Jason faced “an unacceptable public hounding”, and that his death is “a tragedy”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m devastated for the family and friends of Jason Arday. He faced an unacceptable public hounding and campaign of abuse. I know many Londoners will be angry and upset this evening.

“Jason Arday was the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn’t have faced. His death was a tragedy, but once again it should be a wake up call for all of us.”