George Holmes

George Edward Thomas Holmes (born 1 May 1961) is a former British academic administrator, previously serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greater Manchester from 2006 to 2025.

Life Son of a Yorskhire property developer, Holmes graduated with a BSc in economics (Londin), before receiving a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) then an Honorary Doctorate of Education (Hon Ed.D.) from the University of Bolton.

Principal of Doncaster College, Holmes serves as a DL for Greater Manchester since 2015, and was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Agatha by the Republic of San Marino in 2021 "for charitable work".

In 2025, whistleblowers from the University of Greater Manchester alerted online newspaper The Mill to unusual financial activities between Holmes and a senior university executive named Joseph Wheeler. Following the article, local MP Phil Brickell wrote to the Education Secretary and the Office for Students "asking for an independent and thorough investigation into the university". Following this, it was announced on 13 May 2025 that Holmes had been suspended as Vice-Chancellor, and on 5 August 2026 it was confirmed that the University terminated his contract. He remains subject to an ongoing Police investigation into financial impropriety.

In 1991 he married Elizabeth Chappell. His partner Louise Burrows was arrested in 2026 at the same time as Holmes.