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Poet professor resigns over smear Oxford poet resigns over vote row
(10 minutes later)
The first woman to become the Oxford Professor of Poetry has resigned following her involvement in an alleged smear campaign against a former rival. The first woman to become the Oxford Professor of Poetry has resigned following questions over her role in an alleged smear campaign against a rival.
Ruth Padel said she done "nothing intentional" to lead fellow contender Derek Walcott to pull out of the vote. Ruth Padel said she had not engaged in smear tactics and had done "nothing intentional" to lead fellow contender Derek Walcott to pull out of the vote.
Walcott, 79 - who had been the favourite to win the post - withdrew from the race following an anonymous letter campaign against him. Mr Walcott, 79 - who had been the favourite to win the post - withdrew following an anonymous letter campaign.
An Oxford University spokeswoman said they "respected" Ms Padel's decision.An Oxford University spokeswoman said they "respected" Ms Padel's decision.
"This has been a difficult chapter for all concerned and a period of reflection may now be in order," it said."This has been a difficult chapter for all concerned and a period of reflection may now be in order," it said.
Anonymous letters
Mr Walcott pulled out of the contest after Oxford academics received anonymous letters reportedly detailing an allegation of sexual harassment made against him.
Professor Padel insisted she had not engaged in a smear campaign.
She said: "As a result of student concern, I naively - and with hindsight unwisely - passed on to two journalists, whom I believed to be covering the whole election responsibly, information that was already in the public domain."
She added: "I acted in complete good faith, and would have been happy to lose to Derek, but I can see that people might interpret my actions otherwise.
"I wish to do what is best for the university and I understand that opinion there is divided. I therefore resign from the Chair of Poetry. I hope wounds will now heal and I wish the next professor all the best."
She said she would make a full statement in person at the Hay Festival of Literature, in Powys, on Tuesday morning.
Professor Padel was elected with 297 votes cast by Oxford graduates and academic staff, making her the first woman to take up the role since its creation in 1708.