THE bitter battle for control of the University of New England has hit a new low, with the university council passing a no-confidence motion in chancellor John Cassidy.

The motion came after a fiery two-hour council meeting at Sydney's InterContinental Hotel on Friday.

It comes after months of tension between Mr Cassidy, the former chairman and chief executive of construction company Abigroup, and vice-chancellor Professor Alan Pettigrew, who has the support of the staff, students and community.

Mr Cassidy's attempts to take a more active role in the running of the university have upset those who insist a chancellor is a ceremonial position.

Northern Tablelands MP and university council member Richard Torbay said it was "pretty clear" the university and the wider community had lost confidence in Mr Cassidy.

"A range of recent difficulties has contributed to this outcome," Mr Torbay said.