The former head of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Ben Key has been sacked following an investigation.
Sir Ben stepped back from his role as First Sea Lord in May after an investigation was launched into an alleged relationship with a female colleague, a person familiar with the matter told Sky News at the time.
A full investigation has resulted in the termination of his service and commission, the Ministry of Defence said.
In a statement today, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our Service Personnel and our Civil Servants.
“We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority.”
In a statement after his sacking was announced, Sir Ben said: “Serving as First Sea Lord has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I pay tribute to the dedicated and professional officers, sailors, Royal Marines and civil servants who make up the Royal Navy.
“I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy. As such, I fully accept the decision of the Defence Council.
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“I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy.
“Finally, I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time.”
Sir Ben, who is married with three children, is suspected of breaking the Navy’s strict “service test” which effectively prohibits sexual relationships between commanders and their subordinates.
It is not thought that the person involved was in his immediate chain of command. But as head of the Navy, the First Sea Lord is in overall charge of all naval personnel.
Sir Ben, who was appointed as First Sea Lord in 2021, had placed a strong focus on eliminating unacceptable behaviour in the Navy.
In 2024, he declared “zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviours”.
In 2022, he said: “Those who do not wish to serve in accordance with the values and standards of life in the United Kingdom’s armed forces will be removed.
“There is no place for you.”
Sir Ben’s sudden departure from his role in May forced the Navy to cancel its flagship annual Sea Power Conference, which was due to have military guests from all over the world.
He was succeeded by General Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines.
Educated at Bromsgrove School, in Worcestershire, Sir Ben joined the navy in 1984 as a university cadet.
He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a principal warfare officer and as a junior officer saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
He was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2021.
