UK ethics watchdog chief steps back from role over sexual misconduct claims

The head of the government's main ethics watchdog has stepped back after it emerged he was investigated in a previous job over alleged sexual misconduct involving female colleagues, and had, in one case, been sanctioned.

Stuart Sterling was appointed as the first chief executive of the newly formed Ethics and Integrity Commission in October 2025.

The existence of the allegations against Sterling, and the investigations into them, were first reported by the Sunday Times.

Following the report, a government spokesperson said: "These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role while we swiftly establish the facts."

The Labour Party promised in its 2024 manifesto to create the commission to "ensure probity in government" in response to scandals during the Covid pandemic.

As its head, Sterling's role included advising the prime minister on tackling misconduct in public life.

The Sunday Times reported that, in 2003, Sterling had been subject to a "full misconduct hearing" when he was a junior officer with Northamptonshire Police in what was treated as a case "of sexual harassment".

The paper said he had been accused of inappropriately touching the breasts of a female colleague in a police station, and a male colleague who allegedly witnessed the event had reported him to his superiors. It reported that he had been suspended on full pay.

A representative for Mr Sterling 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 Sunday Times reported that he was given a financial penalty of two weeks' pay. It said that, at the time, that was the maximum sanction possible short of forced resignation. He then received two police commendations and was promoted to be a detective sergeant.

The Sunday Times said that by 2008 Mr Sterling had been reported to the force again after another allegation of sexual misconduct against a female colleague, this time at a social gathering outside work.

Mr Sterling's 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".

In 2009, Sterling joined the Cabinet Office. It is not clear what vetting process he underwent. He has since served in a variety of senior roles and in 2019 was seconded to the National Police Chiefs' Council. In 2023 he received an OBE for helping to plan the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.

It is understood the Cabinet Office will now examine whether appropriate and correct disclosures of information were made.