BEVERLY HILLS, November 02, (THEWILL) – Britain’s Defence Minister, Michael Fallon, has resigned over allegations of sexual harassment saying his conduct had fallen below the high standards demanded of his position.
His, was the first high-profile resignation after a growing number of allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been made against Ministers and Lawmakers, fueled by sex abuse allegations against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein.
Fallon, described by sources in the ruling Conservative Party as a political ‘Rottweiler’, apologised on Monday for touching a radio presenter’s knee in 2002 which the woman in question described on social media as “mildly amusing”.
In his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Theresa May, he said there had been many allegations about lawmakers in recent days, including “some about my previous conduct”.
“Many of these have been false but I accept that in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent,” he said.
“I have reflected on my position and I am, therefore, resigning as defence secretary.”
Responding, May replied in a letter saying she appreciated “the characteristically serious manner” in which Fallon had considered his position and “the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others.”
THEWILL recalls that allegations of sexual abuse have ranged from a charge of rape by an activist in the opposition Labour Party by a senior party member, to unconfirmed details of serial “sex pests” on a list reportedly drafted by aides and researchers in parliament.
May has ordered investigations into a report that one of her ministers asked a female secretary to buy sex toys and an allegation that her deputy, Damian Green, made an inappropriate sexual advance on a young woman which he denies.
The prime minister, who has long championed the careers of female lawmakers, said on Wednesday that action would be taken when there were allegations and evidence of sexual misconduct.
“I am very clear that we will take action against those where there are allegations that we see, and the evidence is there, that there has been misconduct,” May told lawmakers.
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