DIGEST: The president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, John Ashton, has taken a “voluntary leave of absence” following a recent heated Twitter exchange with a supporter of e-cigarettes.
The Faculty released this statement: “FPH apologises unreservedly for the comments our President, Professor John Ashton, made during a Twitter exchange on Saturday 6 September. Professor Ashton used inappropriate and offensive language, which unnecessarily personalised a public health issue, and we do not condone its use. An investigation is currently underway into the matter, in line with FPH’s complaints policy.
“Professor Ashton has taken a voluntary leave of absence whilst the matter is investigated; he has not resigned, stepped down or been suspended. During this period, Dr John Middleton, FPH’s Vice President for Policy, will take on the role of acting President and will be covering Professor Ashton’s duties.”
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