THE Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University is to step down from the role at the end of December, sooner than expected.

Prof John G Hughes was due to retire at the end of the academic year.

But the university has confirmed that Prof Hughes will now be leaving at the end of December.

Marian Wyn Jones, chairman of the university’s governing body the Council, said: “Given the number of challenges currently facing the university – many of which affect its strategy, direction and long-term success – we concluded it would be in the university’s best interests for those issues to be dealt with by a team which will be able to see through the changes, not only during the forthcoming months, but crucially also into the next academic year.

“As a result, Prof Hughes has agreed to step aside sooner than announced, and will be leaving at the end of December.

“As previously announced, the university will shortly be advertising for a successor.”

Prof Graham Upton will be appointed as interim vice-chancellor from January 1.

He will step down from his role as a Bangor University Council member.