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Two universities are to withhold more than Pounds 50,000 in subscriptions from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals as the row over chief executive Diana Warwick escalates. Graham Zellick, vice-chancellor of London 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, and Peter Knight, vice-chancellor of the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Central England, have told the CVCP that they will not be renewing their memberships next year. Professor Zellick resigned from the CVCP two weeks ago and Dr Knight's decision jeopardises his membership.Both vice-chancellors feel unable to pay because Ms (now Baroness) Warwick will continue to draw a full-time CVCP salary even though she has become a working Labour peer. They also believe her position will compromise the CVCP's independent lobbying status.

The CVCP refuses to discuss subscriptions, but a spokeswoman said that there had been no change in Ms Warwick's post or salary arrangements.

See pages 17 and 60.