Ethics and Integrity Commission chief Stuart Sterling steps back over past misconduct claims

Mixed · 2Stuart Sterling, the inaugural chief executive of the Ethics and Integrity Commission, has stepped back from the role after reports of sexual misconduct allegations from Sterling's earlier career in Northamptonshire Police. 1 2 Mixed · 2A government spokesperson said: "These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role while we swiftly establish the facts." 2 1 Centre · 1The BBC says the allegations and investigations were first reported by the Sunday Times, and that Sterling was appointed in October 2025 to the newly formed commission, which Labour promised in its 2024 manifesto to "ensure probity in government". 2

Centre · 1The Sunday Times, as relayed by the BBC, reported that Sterling faced a full misconduct hearing as a junior officer over an accusation of inappropriately touching a female colleague's breasts in a police station, which a male colleague allegedly witnessed and reported. Sterling was suspended on full pay and, according to the paper, received a financial penalty of two weeks' pay, described as the maximum sanction short of forced resignation. 2 Left · 1The Daily Mirror describes the 2002 matter as a temporary suspension over an alleged incident with a female colleague, says police chose not to launch a criminal investigation, and says Sterling resumed duties at a new station. It describes both probes as inconclusive. 1 Mixed · 2By 2008 Sterling had been reported again over an alleged sexual misconduct incident involving a female colleague at a social gathering outside work. The Mirror says an anti-corruption unit then examined how Sterling had been allowed to keep the role years earlier, and that Sterling left the force soon after. 2 1

Mixed · 2A representative for Sterling said a full disciplinary process was held over the 2002 complaint, that Sterling complied fully and that it resulted in a sanction. The representative said Sterling denies the 2008 incident took place, was never subject to a criminal investigation, was not required to resign and left voluntarily. 2 1 Centre · 1Sterling joined the Cabinet Office in 2009; the BBC says it is not clear what vetting process Sterling underwent. Sterling held senior roles, was seconded to the National Police Chiefs' Council in 2019 and received an OBE in 2023, which the BBC links to helping plan Queen Elizabeth's funeral. 2 Mixed · 2The Cabinet Office is understood to be examining whether appropriate and correct disclosures were made; the Mirror says the review is believed to consider whether Sterling gave a correct account of Sterling's past before accepting the role. The Mirror links the claims to criticism of Whitehall due diligence over Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador despite warnings about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. 2 1