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The head of the Royal Navy stepped back from his role after the Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Financial Times revealed this week that First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key had stepped back from leading the naval service, with Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell taking full charge until a permanent replacement is announced.
On Friday Connell wrote to senior navy colleagues about Key’s departure to confirm that “an MoD investigation is ongoing”, but adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further, according to one person familiar with the matter.
Two people familiar with the situation said the investigation related to a relationship between Key and a female member of staff.
An MoD spokesperson said: “An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Key did not immediately respond to a request for comment.