UK ethics watchdog chief steps back from role over sexual misconduct claims
Summary
Stuart Sterling has stepped back as chief executive of the UK Ethics and Integrity Commission while the government establishes the facts about allegations of sexual misconduct from his time at Northamptonshire Police. Sterling’s representative said a 2002 disciplinary process resulted in a sanction, denied that an alleged 2008 incident occurred, and said Sterling left the force voluntarily.Key Facts
- Sterling became the first chief executive of the Ethics and Integrity Commission in October 2025.
- The commission was created after Labour promised in its 2024 manifesto to promote integrity in government.
- A government spokesperson said Sterling had stepped back while officials establish the facts.
- Sterling’s representative said a disciplinary process concerning a 2002 complaint ended in a sanction.
- The reported sanction was a financial penalty of two weeks’ pay.
- A second allegation concerned an incident at a social gathering in 2008; Sterling’s representative denied it occurred.
- Sterling joined the Cabinet Office in 2009 and received an OBE in 2023 for helping plan Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
- The Cabinet Office is examining whether appropriate disclosures were made.
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