CONCERNS about the high level of pay of a university vice-chancellor has prompted Stroud MP David Drew to become the latest figure to leave his role at the centre.

The University of Bath’s Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell earns £451,000 a year making her the highest paid vice-chancellor in the country.

Following the resignation two weeks ago of South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison from the university’s court – which represents the views of stakeholders – Dr Drew had joined Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy in quitting their positions.

He said: “I do not think that a salary of £450,000 can be justified - especially when students are taking on debts of £60,000 to pay fees, and spending 30 years of their working lives paying them off.”

University pay transparency is currently being investigated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in a bid to determine the way in which it is awarded.

A spokesman for the University of Bath said: “We are providing HEFCE with all the information they have requested including in relation to meetings of university court.

“The university does not intend to comment further on these matters until such time as HEFCE have concluded their investigation.”