WATCH: Michael Fallon resigns as Defence Secretary
2 min read
Michael Fallon has dramatically resigned as Defence Secretary as the Westminster sex scandal claimed its first ministerial victim.
In a shock development, he said his behaviour had “fallen below the high standards that we require of the Armed Forces”.
Mr Fallon’s decision to stand down came just a day after he apologised for touching journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee at a dinner in 2002.
In his resignation letter to Theresa May, the Tory veteran said: “A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct.
“I have reflected on my position and I am therefore resigning as Defence Secretary.”
Mr Fallon explained his decision to step down to the BBC's Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg:
Significantly, Mrs May’s official spokesman refused to confirm that she had full confidence in Mr Fallon when asked yesterday.
His decision to quit will force her into a reshuffle, and comes as the Cabinet Office investigates allegations against Damian Green, the de facto deputy Prime Minister.
In her letter to the Sevenoaks MP, the Prime Minister paid tribute to his "long and impressive ministerial career - serving in four Departments of State under four prime ministers".
The allegations against Mr Fallon emerged in The Sun.
Recounting the moment he touched her leg, Ms Hartley-Brewer said: "I calmly and politely explained to him that, if he did it again, I would punch him in the face.”
A spokesman for Sir Michael said at the time: "He had apologised when the incident happened 15 years ago and both Julia and he now considered the matter closed."
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