EMILY Dawes, the student union president who caused outrage by threatening paint over a "mural of white men", has stood down from her post.

Ms Dawes made the comments, which referred to a memorial to students who died in the First World War, during a meeting at Southampton University.

The mural was painted by Sir William Rothenstein in 1916 but Ms Dawes wrote: "Mark my words - we're taking down the mural of white men in the uni senate room, even if I have to paint over it myself."


The comment sparked anger on social media and criticism from Southampton MP Royston Smith, who described the incident as "disappointing" and said her words "clearly overstepped the mark".

Initially Ms Dawes wrote an apology on social media and was suspended from the £20,000-a-year post, and had returned to work earlier this month.

But now Southampton University has announced that she will stand down with immediate effect.

In a statement released by the university, Ms Dawes said: "After careful consideration I've decided it's best if I step down from my role.

"I sincerely apologise for the offence and disrespect caused by my earlier comments, which were misinformed. I acted impulsively and as such fully accept how careless and hurtful my words were.

"I've had a wonderful time as president and am sad to be leaving.

"All my thanks go to everyone who has supported me throughout my presidency, and I wish the team and the union all the best."