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Ethics watchdog chief steps back over sexual misconduct claims
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Stuart Sterling, head of the government's main ethics watchdog, has stepped back from his role after reports emerged of past investigations into alleged sexual misconduct during his time as a police officer.
- In 2003, Sterling faced a misconduct hearing for allegedly inappropriately touching a female colleague and was sanctioned with a two-week pay penalty, the maximum possible short of forced resignation.
- Sterling denies a separate 2008 allegation of sexual misconduct at a social event, which was investigated internally but did not lead to criminal charges.
- Despite these allegations, Sterling continued to advance in his career, joining the Cabinet Office in 2009, holding senior roles, and receiving an OBE in 2023 for his role in planning Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
- The government has stated these are serious allegations and is conducting a swift investigation while Sterling remains on leave.
