Sir George Holmes, who served as vice-chancellor of the University of Greater Manchester for over two decades, has had his employment contract terminated by the university’s governing body. The decision was communicated to staff and students on Wednesday afternoon through an official email notification.
Holmes’s position had been under significant strain following a series of investigations and allegations brought forward by whistleblowers. Reports published by Manchester’s the Mill raised concerns regarding bullying, racism, and fraud within his tenure. Holmes was initially suspended in May last year following the results of an external investigation commissioned by the institution. In response to his termination, Holmes stated that the governing board’s decision constituted a travesty and claimed he had been denied natural justice, due process, and the presumption of innocence regarding the accusations.
The resolution has been welcomed by political figures, including Phil Brickell, the MP for Bolton West, who has been pressing for clarity on the matter. Brickell emphasized the importance of the university now focusing on restoring confidence, strengthening governance, and maintaining commitment to students and staff during a critical recruitment period approaching in the autumn months.
The situation remains connected to a separate police investigation. In July, Greater Manchester Police arrested three people—two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s—as part of inquiries into suspected fraud and bribery. The investigation has identified alleged fraudulent activity exceeding £1 million occurring between 2014 and 2025, encompassing 60 transactions and more than one million emails. The three arrested individuals have since been released on bail without being charged.
Acting vice-chancellor Greg Walker will continue in his current position while the governing body determines the process and timeline for appointing a permanent leader to the institution.
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