A PETITION has been launched calling for a vote of no confidence in the University of Bradford’s Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor.

More than 100 people have backed the petition, which is open on the University of Bradford Union of Students website.

Meanwhile, a Freedom of Information request by the Telegraph & Argus has revealed Professor Cantor’s annual salary stands at £251,300.

The wording of the petition claims under Professor Cantor’s leadership there has been a “decline in standards of education”, with students feeling “unsafe on campus and in Bradford”.

It said: “Being a student at the University, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, we have witnessed the declining standards of education and the overall student experience.

“The University does not engage with the local community to tackle the real issues, resulting in students feeling unsafe, vulnerable and like outsiders.”

The petition added that student numbers are falling, resulting in a “deflated campus”.

The petition said it will lobby the University Council to remove Prof Cantor from his role, make the university more accessible, work with the local community to tackle reoccurring long-term issues, and put the student first.

Earlier this summer, the Telegraph & Argus revealed plans to cut 200 non-academic staff at the university as a cost-saving measure.

Since Prof Canter took the role in October 2013, his salary has risen by £21,000.

Sabbatical officer at the University Faiz Ilyas said the Union’s sabbatical team “will now meet to discuss a timeline for a referendum on the issue to see if there is a mandate”, and said the Union’s current stance on the petition is “indifferent”.

A University of Bradford spokesperson said: “We are aware of a petition for a motion of no confidence against the Vice Chancellor. We are engaged with the Students’ Union Executive team and are determined to minimise any impact on the student experience as we go through change at the University.” On Prof Cantor’s salary, she added: “The Vice-Chancellor is paid below the sector average and has not taken any pay rise over the last two years.”