Met Police boss admits mistake over Cambridge professor plagiarism row

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has admitted that his force failed to investigate a journalist's inquiry into plagiarism allegations against University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. Sir Mark stated that the police should have dismissed the complaint from journalist Jack Grove as not requiring an investigation. Grove, who is investigating allegations of Arday's PhD plagiarism, had contacted Arday in 2025 to offer him the right of reply.

Grove expressed shock at the police's actions, explaining that they had only communicated with Arday four months after their alleged communications and sent a total of three or four emails. The University of Cambridge is currently conducting an investigation into Arday, who recently resigned following the release of new information about his academic qualifications and honorary appointments.

Arday has admitted to errors in his work but denies plagiarism. He has cited his autism and learning disabilities as contributing factors to his alleged shortcomings. The controversy surrounding Arday has sparked debate among academics, with some arguing that universities are desperate for good press, while others contend that black academics face additional challenges in the academic world.