It was announced on Friday that Professor Paul Layzell will step down from his role of deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Sussex to become the new principal at Royal Holloway.

Layzell was the driving force behind the creation of the strategic plan ‘Making the Future’ which led to proposed cuts to spending and job losses that in turn caused massive unrest at the university this year.

Following the news the organisers of the Stop the Cuts campaign said: “We expect this resignation to be the first of several and will not be sorry to see him go.”

However, Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex, did have kind words to say. He said: “There will be time in the months to come to recognise properly the huge contribution that Paul has made to Sussex. He has played a leading role in helping support and develop the University since his appointment in 2006. He has transformed the way in which the University approaches its strategic planning and delivery, as well as providing excellent leadership to the Library and IT Services.

“The fruits of his labours are already evident for Sussex. He was the driving force behind the creation of our new strategic plan ‘Making the Future’; he has transformed our approach to academic planning and project management across the entire University; and he has led the creation of the new capital development plan for the campus. Sussex will continue to benefit from his contributions for years to come.”

The University of Sussex has announced that will now be considering appropriate steps to take in relation to appointing a successor to Professor Layzell, who will take up his new job in London in August.