UK Ethics Chief Steps Aside Over Sexual Misconduct Claims

Stuart Sterling, the first chief executive of the UK's newly established Ethics and Integrity Commission, has stepped back from his role following revelations that he was investigated for alleged sexual misconduct in a previous job. The allegations, first reported by the Sunday Times, date back to his time as a police officer and have prompted an immediate review by the Cabinet Office.

Serious Allegations Prompt Swift Action

A government spokesperson said: "These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role while we swiftly establish the facts." The commission, created in response to scandals during the Covid pandemic, was a Labour Party manifesto promise to "ensure probity in government." Sterling was appointed in October 2025 to lead the body, which advises the prime minister on tackling misconduct in public life.

Historical Complaints Surface

According to the Sunday Times, in 2003 Sterling faced a full misconduct hearing while a junior officer with Northamptonshire Police. He was accused of inappropriately touching a female colleague's breasts at a police station. A male colleague who allegedly witnessed the incident reported him, and Sterling was suspended on full pay. His representative said: "Stuart states that a full disciplinary process was held regarding the complaint in 2002. He complied with this fully. It resulted in a sanction." The newspaper reported that he received a financial penalty of two weeks' pay, then the maximum sanction short of forced resignation. He later received two police commendations and was promoted to detective sergeant.

Second Allegation Denied

In 2008, Sterling was reported again over an allegation of sexual misconduct against a female colleague at a social gathering outside work. His representative said: "He denies that the alleged incident in 2008 ever took place. He was never subject to any criminal investigation, but the allegation was examined by professional standards." The representative added: "He was not required to resign from the force. He left voluntarily."

Career and Vetting Questions

Sterling joined the Cabinet Office in 2009 and has since held various senior roles. In 2019 he was seconded to the National Police Chiefs' Council, and in 2023 he received an OBE for helping to plan Queen Elizabeth's funeral. It remains unclear what vetting process he underwent before joining the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office will now examine whether appropriate and correct disclosures of information were made.

The controversy raises questions about the vetting procedures for senior appointments, particularly for a role meant to uphold ethics in government. As the investigation unfolds, Sterling's future at the commission remains uncertain.