Latest news with #ViceAdmiralSirMartinConnell
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Head of Royal Navy ‘stepped down over affair with female subordinate'
The head of the Royal Navy has stepped down following an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate, The Telegraph understands. Admiral Sir Ben Key has stepped back from all duties while the Ministry of Defence (MoD) carries out an investigation into the consensual relationship. Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, has taken full command of the Royal Navy during this time. Sir Ben, 59, who is married with three children, had previously announced that he would retire as First Sea Lord this summer. However, the MoD confirmed on Wednesday that he had already left the post. His abrupt departure, first reported by the Financial Times, came before he was due to speak at the First Sea Lord's Sea Power conference in London next week. Sources close to Sir Ben said at the time that he was unhappy with the state of the Navy and wanted to leave the service rather than accept a promotion. They added that Sir Ben was looking forward to enjoying a summer with his wife, Elly, and spending more time with their three children. Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who commanded the Special Boat Service, is thought to be the frontrunner to take over as the head of the Navy. An MoD spokesman said: 'An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.' Sir Ben was approached for comment. 'An exceptional military officer' Sir Ben was appointed the head of the Royal Navy in 2021, succeeding Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. He had previously been the Vice Admiral and impressed bosses by leading the evacuation of 15,000 people from Kabul following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Ben Wallace, the defence secretary at the time of his appointment, said he was 'an exceptional military officer'. Sir Ben joined the Navy in 1984 as a university cadet. He graduated with a degree in physics from Royal Holloway, University of London. He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and a Principal Warfare Officer and has seen service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers. Throughout his career, he has commanded four ships including the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Head of Royal Navy, 59, is suspended over 'secret affair with female officer': Married father-of-three faces probe for 'inappropriate relationship with subordinate'
The head of the Navy has been asked to step down following claims that he had an extramarital affair with a female officer under his command. Admiral Sir Ben Key, 59, had led the service since 2021 as First Sea Lord, having joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1984. The married father-of-three has been suspended after it emerged that he is suspected of breaking Navy's strict 'service test' - which effectively prohibits relationships between commanders and their subordinates, The Sun reported. This is the first time since the British Navy was founded in 1546 that its leader has faced a misconduct investigation. Sir Ben's departure has sent shockwaves through the Navy. A top Navy source told The Sun: 'It is shocking, really shocking because of who he is. 'Not just because he is First Sea Lord, but his reputation is a man of principles and morals. He is a popular First Sea Lord.' In the short term his role will be taken by the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell. Potential replacements are said to have been interviewed, with an announcement soon. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said last night: 'Admiral Sir Ben Key, has stepped back due to private reasons.' Navy admirals joke the First Sea Lord is 'not the first, not at sea and not a lord', but his role is crucial particularly after Trump has made it clear European nations will need to spend more on their own defence. Sir Ben had last autumn told the chief of UK defence staff and the Defence Secretary he planned to leave this summer for personal reasons, the Financial Times said. His departure is not said to be linked to the forthcoming publication of the Government's strategic defence review. The father of three commanded four ships, and on land the US awarded him a Bronze Star in 2006 for assisting in Baghdad. He played a key role in the evacuation airlift of 15,000 Britons and Afghan allies from Kabul in 2021.
