Michael Fallon has resigned as Defence Secretary, saying his behaviour in the past may have "fallen short" in the wake of harassment allegations swirling around Westminster.
Accusations of sexual misconduct have surrounded Sir Michael in recent days after he admitted to feeling a female journalist’s knee in 2002.
Julia Hartley-Brewer, now a host on talkRADIO, previously chose not to name the Defence Secretary in her account of the incident.
In a letter to Number 10, Sir Michael said: “A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs 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 we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent.
“I have reflected on my position and I am therefore resigning as Defence Secretary.”
In her reply to Sir Michael's resignation letter, Prime Minister Theresa May said: "I appreciate the characteristically serious manner in which you have considered your position, and the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others."
Alongside the allegations surrounding Sir Michael touching Ms Hartley-Brewer's knee there have also been suggestions that the former Defence Secretary featured in an uncensored version of a “dirty dossier” said to have been compiled internally that names prominent Conservatives allegedly involved in sexual impropriety.
The list names 36 people, accusing some of inappropriate behaviour – although others are included next to descriptions of consensual relations.
It contains the names of seven Cabinet ministers and 14 other Government ministers, as well as eight former ministers.
