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Open letter demands inquiry as Arday’s death fuels calls

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Professor Jason Arday was found dead on Friday in south London after resigning on 5 August 2026 amid plagiarism allegations.
Sir Patrick Vernon’s GoFundMe has raised over £160,000 for Arday’s family.
An open letter to Mayor Andy Burnham calling for a public inquiry has gathered more than 85,000 signatures, including Zack Polanski.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is open to a second Leveson inquiry.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 decision by Prime Minister David Cameron to appoint Lord Justice Leveson sparked a public inquiry that heard evidence from November 2011 and issued a 2,000-page report in November 2012, recommending a new independent press regulator. Today, demands for a second Leveson-style probe into Professor Jason Arday’s plagiarism case revive that same push for media accountability.

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Story summary

Professor Jason Arday was found dead on Friday in south London after resigning on 5 August 2026 amid plagiarism allegations.
Sir Patrick Vernon’s GoFundMe has raised over £160,000 for Arday’s family.
An open letter to Mayor Andy Burnham calling for a public inquiry has gathered more than 85,000 signatures, including Zack Polanski.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is open to a second Leveson inquiry.

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