Royal Navy head Sir Ben Key sacked after misconduct inquiry
Key, 59, a married father of three, is no longer an admiral but he will keep his pension. He was suspended in May over claims that he had an affair with a subordinate and he was told to 'step back from all duties' while an investigation was carried out.
In the mean time, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, a Royal Marine, was named as his replacement. It was the first time in the Royal Navy's 500-year history that its first sea lord has faced a misconduct inquiry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said that after a full investigation his service had been terminated, as well as his commission.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the armed forces, 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.'
Key said in a statement that serving as first sea lord had been 'one of the greatest privileges of my life' and he 'deeply regrets' his conduct in the spring of last year.
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