The head of the Royal Navy stepped back from his role after the Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Financial Times revealed this week that First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key had stepped back from leading the naval service, with Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell taking full charge until a permanent replacement is announced.
On Friday Connell wrote to senior navy colleagues about Key’s departure to confirm that “an MoD investigation is ongoing”, but adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further, according to one person familiar with the matter.
Two people familiar with the situation said the investigation related to a relationship between Key and a female member of staff.
Earlier this week the MoD said Key had departed for “private reasons”.
Others aware of the situation said Key had first notified the chief of defence staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and defence secretary John Healey last autumn of his intention to step down this summer. However, he has stepped back early in the wake of the probe.
Key was absent from the line-up of senior military personnel on the Mall on Monday for celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
He also did not attend the annual rugby match between the British Army and Royal Navy at Twickenham last weekend, which is one of the highlights of the UK military’s social calendar.
The Royal Navy this week postponed the First Sea Lord’s annual sea power conference, which was due to start on Monday at Lancaster House, citing Key stepping back.
The service said it also made sense to reschedule given the government’s forthcoming strategic defence review and “the formal announcement of the new First Sea Lord” in the coming weeks.
The MoD has already interviewed candidates to replace Key and a successor is expected to be announced imminently.
The MoD said on Friday: “An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Key did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
