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The PM said he wanted to reflect on 'how things came to this'
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that the death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday was "a tragedy on so many levels" and that now it was a "moment for reflection".
Mr Arday was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday.
Mr Burnham said: "It’s a tragedy on so many levels, but particularly just for everybody who knew Jason, his family obviously, his friends. We think of think of them today.
"It’s not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how how things came to this.
"A really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs and I think we all today think of Jason, his contribution, and his family and friends."
The Metropolitan Police said Mr Arday's death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious.
He told a friend he "couldn’t go on" hours before he died after being subjected to intense scrutiny over his academic career.
He was the University of Cambridge's youngest ever black professor, stepping into the role in March 2023.
Mr Arday stepped down as a professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge on August 4, amid accusations of plagiarism.
The university announced they were launching an investigation into Mr Arday's appointment last week, as well as his tenure at the educational institution.
He resigned within hours of the university announcing the investigation, pointing to "unrelenting level of public scrutiny".
Mr Arday said: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.
"The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."
He stressed that his resignation should not "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me".
Cambridge University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said she was "desperately saddened" by Mr Arday's death.
She added: "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Last week, Mr Arday cancelled events promoting his upcoming book.
In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Prof Arday’s family said: "Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for the more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.
"The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone.
"We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.
"We won’t comment further at this point beyond asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long."
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
