Government Ethics Watchdog Chief Stuart Sterling Steps Back Over Police Misconduct Allegations

The head of the Government’s ethics watchdog has stepped back from his role while ministers look into allegations about his time as a police officer. Stuart Sterling, chief executive of the Ethics and Integrity Commission, denies the most serious claims.

What has been reported?

According to the Sunday Times, Mr Sterling was suspended as a detective constable at Northamptonshire Police in 2002 after being accused of misconduct towards a female colleague. He was later allowed to return to duty.

The paper also reported that he was accused of trying to discourage the woman from taking action, and that a second misconduct allegation was made against him some years later. He strongly denies both.

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What does Stuart Sterling say?

Mr Sterling says he complied fully with the 2002 disciplinary process, which ended with a sanction. He says he was never the subject of a criminal investigation and left the police voluntarily.

Northamptonshire Police said it holds a brief digital record of a 2002 misconduct process, but that paper records may no longer exist under data retention rules.

What happens next?

A Government spokesperson said: “These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role whilst we swiftly establish the facts.” It is understood the review will look at whether the right information was disclosed when he was appointed.

Sources: Cabinet Office, Northamptonshire Police.