Former head of Royal Navy sacked over conduct

The former head of the Royal Navy has had his service terminated following an investigation into his behaviour, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Former Adm Sir Ben Key's behaviour was found to have "fallen far short of the values and standards expected of service personnel" a statement said.

In response, Sir Ben said: "I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy."

He added that he fully accepted the decision and was "very sorry to those I have hurt personally".

At the end of his statement, Sir Ben said he was "very grateful" for the support of his wife, family and friends during what he described as "a very difficult time".

Sir Ben, 59, was due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021.

He was removed from his duties in May because of the investigation into allegations of misconduct.

Reports in the Sun at the time suggested Sir Ben had been having an affair with a more junior female colleague.

Such relationships are frowned upon and seen as a potential abuse of power and contrary to the military service code of conduct.

Chief of Defence Staff, Adm Sir Tony Radakin, said: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our service personnel and our civil servants.

"We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority."

Typically, senior officers keep their military title long after they've retired, but not Sir Ben. He has been stripped of his commission but retains his knighthood and his pension.

Sir Ben joined the navy as a university cadet in 1984 where he later qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a principal warfare officer. As a junior officer he saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.

He was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2021 New Years Honours List.

He was appointed to first sea lord in November 2021 and is succeeded by Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines.