Ethics watchdog chief steps back over sexual misconduct claims

The leader of the government’s primary ethics oversight body has temporarily withdrawn from his position following revelations about past investigations into alleged sexual misconduct during his previous employment, including a confirmed disciplinary sanction in one instance. Stuart Sterling, who took on the role as the inaugural chief executive of the newly established Ethics and Integrity Commission in October 2025, is now under scrutiny.

Reports surfaced through the Sunday Times disclosing that Sterling had faced allegations and formal investigations related to inappropriate behavior dating back to his time as a junior officer with Northamptonshire Police. One notable case from 2003 involved a formal misconduct hearing centering on accusations of sexual harassment. According to the report, Sterling was accused of inappropriately touching a female colleague at a police station, with a male witness coming forward to report the incident. Following these allegations, Sterling was suspended on full pay while the matter was examined.

Sterling’s representative acknowledged the disciplinary proceedings from 2002, confirming a sanction was applied after a full process. The punishment, identified by the Sunday Times as a financial penalty equivalent to two weeks’ pay, was described as the harshest possible short of forced resignation. Despite this, Sterling later earned two police commendations and a promotion to detective sergeant. Additional concerns arose in 2008 when Sterling was reportedly implicated in another sexual misconduct allegation during an off-duty social occasion; however, Sterling’s spokesperson categorically denied the occurrence of this incident. Although subject to professional standards review, Sterling was not criminally investigated and ultimately left the police force voluntarily.

Northamptonshire Police have confirmed the existence of digital records related to the 2002 disciplinary action but declined to comment on the 2008 allegation. Since departing the police force, Sterling joined the Cabinet Office in 2009 and held various senior positions, including a secondment to the National Police Chiefs’ Council in 2019. His recent achievements include receiving an OBE in 2023 for his role in organizing the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. In response to the unfolding situation, a government spokesperson described the allegations as serious and noted that Sterling has stepped back while they quickly investigate the facts. Meanwhile, officials from the Cabinet Office are reportedly reviewing whether all necessary disclosures were properly made during Sterling’s appointment process