FORMER Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has claimed a University of York lecturer offered to guarantee her a better degree in return for sex.

The MP said the remark was made by her course tutor, Professor TV Sathyamurthy, when she was a student in the city almost 50 years ago. She said she rejected the advance.

Ms Harman makes the allegation in her forthcoming memoir, A Woman’s Work, to be published next week.

Prof Sathyamurthy, who died in 1998, was said to have told her she was a “borderline” student who might get either a 2:1 or 2:2.

York Press: The university's Central Hall.

Central Hall at the University of York

He was then said to have told her he would ensure she was awarded the higher grade if she slept with him.

Ms Harman, who graduated in 1972 aged 21, said she still gained a 2:1 in politics, despite rejecting his advance, and writes: “I was repulsed by him.”

Professor Sathyamurthy died aged 68 following a career as an academic and 30 years of teaching in York.

The University’s registrar and secretary, Dr David Duncan, said yesterday: “The allegations made by Ms Harman are extremely concerning.

York Press:

“The University of York strongly condemns all forms of sexual harassment and will not tolerate it among staff or students.

“Behaviour of the sort described by Ms Harman would constitute gross misconduct and would lead to dismissal.

“We have an extensive support system in place for students and staff who are concerned about harassment of any kind.

“We are also in the process of developing new guidance following publication of the recent UUK report on violence against women, harassment and race hate.”

Ms Harman, who is MP for Camberwell and Peckham, was deputy Labour leader under Gordon Brown.