Gough departs nine months early

BRANDON Gough, the chairman of the Higher Education Funding Council for England for the last four years, is to leave. He will go in July, nine months before the end of his contract. His post will be advertised.

Education minister Baroness Blackstone said Sir Ron Dearing's inquiry would involve substantial work for the council. "I believe that now is the right time to appoint a new chairman," she said. Mr Gough is also chairman of Yorkshire Water, director of National Power and George Wimpey and was recently made chairman of the banknote manufacturer De La Rue. He is not expected to receive any extra farewell payment.