The only university in the UK with a men’s officer has scrapped the role after the candidate withdrew due to “harassment”.

James Knight put his name forward to be men's officer at the University of the West of England, but claims he was harassed, and has withdrawn. He was the only candidate in the race.

The University of the West of England told The Telegraph that the position has now been suspended pending review.

The roles of transgender and women’s officers have also been brought in this month.

Knight said he stood to highlight "the poor state of mental health services at UWE" and told a student paper: "I know how deeply mental health issues can run in men and how much of a taboo it can be for men to talk about their mental health."

However, students and National Union of Students officers quickly began a campaign against the role.

NUS officer Ilyas Nagdee accused the university of “weaponising tragic student suicides” at Bristol University “ in order to pursue this vile undemocratic shambles of a men's officer”, labelling the election: “The worst thing I've seen in student politics.”

Student Rebecca Sheeres added: “Can someone explain to me why a men’s officer is necessary please?