The first woman to become the Oxford Professor of Poetry has apologised for her role in the alleged smear campaign which led her to resign.

Ruth Padel apologised “for anything I have done which can be misconstrued” against fellow contender Derek Walcott. She insisted she had done “nothing intentional” to lead Walcott to withdraw despite briefing journalists.

Walcott, 79, withdrew following an anonymous letter campaign reportedly detailing sexual harassment claims. The Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott said that he has no comment to make about Padel’s resignation and said he is not going to stand in the next election for the Oxford Professor of Poetry.