ÍøÆØÃÅ

Academic union leaders have accused Richard Davies, vice-chancellor of Swansea University, of attempting to smuggle in a "dictatorial" system of governance under plans to streamline management.

They claim proposals to restructure committees amount to a "profound constitutional shift" from governance by the university's senate and council to rule by Professor Davies and his appointees.

Professor Davies has hit back, arguing that the proposed changes will have no effect on the role and responsibilities of senate, which are defined by the university statutes.