PROFESSOR Robin Baker, Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, has resigned with immediate effect, it was announced on Monday.

A statement from the university - part of the Cathedrals Group - said that Andrew Ironside, strategic director (resources), had been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor.

It is less than two years since Professor Baker was installed at Canterbury Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church. Previously, Professor Baker had been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chichester, also a Cathedrals Group institution.

The resignation followed a short period of suspension, it has been suggested. In response to the suggestion, a spokeswoman for Canterbury Christ Church said that the university would be making no further comment beyond the statement already issued.