MPs have blocked Bedfordshire University’s vice chancellor for the position of next director of Fair Access to Higher Education.
Last week Business Secretary Vince Cable and Universities Minister David Willetts endorsed Professor Les Ebdon to take over the post at OFFA (Office for Fair Access).
On Wednesday representatives on the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee voted against accepting Professor Ebdon as the new head of OFFA.
Labour MPs see this as a political tactic, rather than one for the benefit of access to universities, as it was Conservative MPs who voted against his appointment.
Professor Ebdon said: “I am still very interested in becoming the next director of OFFA. I know that the Secretary of State is considering the report of the Select Committee and I am awaiting his decision. I will be happy to give interviews once the decision is made.” Business Secretary Vince Cable has not yet released a full statement but is expected to stand by his preferred candidate.
Mr Ebdon is due to retire from his post at the university this summer.
The new director will replace Sir Martin Harris, whose term of office finishes at the end of April.
OFFA oversees access agreements by universities wishing to charge more than £6,000 in tuition fees.
