UK police investigate racism, financial misconduct allegations at University of Greater Manchester

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Police are investigating “serious allegations” at the University of Greater Manchester, including of financial misconduct, racism and bullying, MPs have been told.

Lucy Powell, the leader of the House of Commons, confirmed that police joined the Office for Students, the higher education regulator for England, in looking into the allegations at the university, which was known until recently as the University of Bolton.

Phil Brickell, the Labour MP for Bolton West, asked Powell to give lawmakers time to debate allegations that had emerged from whistleblowers and detailed reporting by the Manchester Mill, an independent news site.

Brickell told MPs: "Recent reports published by the Manchester Mill about racism, financial misconduct and bullying at the University of Greater Manchester in Bolton have significantly damaged the reputation of that institution over the last few weeks."

He highlighted the impact these revelations have had on both the university’s standing and the well-being of its community.

While specific details of the allegations have not yet been fully disclosed, the case has raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the treatment of staff and students at the institution.

A spokesperson for the university said it had launched an investigation into the allegations.

Last month, Neil O’Brien, a shadow education minister, raised concerns in parliament about "extremely troubling reports" regarding the university. He highlighted attempts to funnel large sums of taxpayer money to relatives of the university’s managers, as well as to what seems to be a shell company based in Casablanca.