Government ethics watchdog chief resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations
The head of the Government’s ethics watchdog, Stuart Sterling, has stepped down following the emergence of past allegations regarding his conduct, including accusations that he “grabbed a colleague’s breasts”, reports BritPanorama.
Sterling, 48, was previously suspended from his position as a detective constable at Northamptonshire Police due to these sexual misconduct claims, which surfaced from an incident in 2002. He was appointed chief executive of the Ethics and Integrity Commission just last year, where he was expected to uphold principles of integrity and accountability in the public sector.
The resignation comes in response to a Government spokesperson who stated, “These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role whilst we swiftly establish the facts.” It is anticipated that the investigation will determine whether appropriate disclosures of information were made prior to his appointment.
The creation of the Ethics and Integrity Commission was part of the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto, aimed at ensuring probity in government following several scandals during the Covid pandemic. In his role, Sterling advised the Prime Minister on issues relating to public misconduct.
Reports in the Sunday Times reveal that Sterling was investigated by his own police force twenty-four years ago for the alleged assault at Corby police station. Despite the gravity of the allegations, he was permitted to return to his duties after admitting some wrongdoing, with Northamptonshire Police opting against pursuing criminal charges following what has been described as a “wholly unexceptional decision”.
Further allegations surfaced after the initial incident, including claims that Sterling attempted to dissuade the complainant from pursuing her case. He has categorically denied these accusations, asserting that he did not visit the complainant’s residence or attempt to intimidate her. Following the 2002 investigation, he was reassigned to another police station and later received commendations, ultimately rising to the position of detective sergeant.
Sterling faced another misconduct allegation in 2006, which he denies, and eventually left Northamptonshire Police in 2008 amid a subsequent investigation. He stated that he complied fully with disciplinary processes in 2002 that resulted in a sanction but was never involved in a criminal investigation, claiming he resigned voluntarily.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed the existence of a digital record related to the 2002 misconduct process but noted that physical documentation may no longer be accessible due to data retention policies.
After departing from the police force, Sterling joined the Cabinet Office and held various senior roles, notably receiving an OBE in 2023 for his contributions to planning the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The Cabinet Office is now reviewing whether proper disclosures were made regarding the allegations during Sterling’s hiring process.
A representative for Sterling has reiterated his compliance with the disciplinary process in 2002, emphasizing that he has never faced any criminal charges and maintaining that the 2006 allegations are unfounded.
This situation raises critical questions about oversight and accountability in public office, particularly regarding how allegations of misconduct are evaluated and addressed within government institutions.
