Ethics commission chief steps back over misconduct allegations

A government spokesperson told the BBC: “These are serious allegations. Stuart Sterling has stepped back from his role while we swiftly establish the facts.”

Sterling was appointed the first chief executive of the Ethics and Integrity Commission in October 2025. The commission reports to the prime minister on ethical standards and advises public authorities on codes of conduct. It says it is not a regulator and has no remit to investigate individual cases.

The Sunday Times first reported the allegations and investigations into Sterling’s conduct while he worked for Northamptonshire Police, according to the BBC.

The newspaper reported that Sterling had been accused of inappropriately touching a female colleague and faced a misconduct hearing in 2003. His representative said a full disciplinary process had been held over a complaint in 2002 and had resulted in a sanction.

The Sunday Times also reported a separate allegation of sexual misconduct involving another female colleague in 2008. Sterling’s representative said he denied that the alleged incident took place. The representative said the allegation had been examined by professional standards, but that Sterling had not been subject to a criminal investigation.

Sterling joined the Cabinet Office in 2009. The BBC said it was unclear what vetting he underwent and that it understood the department would examine whether appropriate and correct disclosures of information had been made.