Head of UK’s Royal Navy ‘stepped down over affair with female subordinate
admin
The head of the Royal Navy has stepped down following an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate, according to reports. Admiral Sir Ben Key, 59, a married father of three, is understood to have been told to “step back from all duties” while an investigation is carried out, the Times reported.
The paper said it is the first time in the Royal Navy’s 500-year history that its first sea lord has faced a misconduct inquiry. Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, has taken full command of the Royal Navy during this time.
Sir Ben, 59, had previously announced that he would retire as First Sea Lord this summer. However, the Mod confirmed on Wednesday that he had already left the post.
His abrupt departure, first reported by the Financial Times, came before he was due to speak at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power conference in London next week.
Key, who has served more than four decades in the Navy, did not respond to a request for comment by the Times.
The Ministry of Defence said: “An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Key’s alleged affair is not a crime, the Times reported.
However, he is suspected of breaking the “service test”, which does not allow sexual relationships between commanders and their subordinates.
