Overview

• The Ministry of Defence concluded its investigation on July 2 and terminated Sir Ben Key’s service and commission.
• Investigators determined that his relationship with a married junior officer violated the Navy’s strict ‘service test’ forbidding commander-subordinate affairs.
• Sir Ben Key had served as First Sea Lord since 2021 and was suspended in May after allegations of an improper relationship emerged.
• General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has officially succeeded him as First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, marking the first time a Royal Marines officer has led the service.
• Admiral Sir Tony Radakin emphasized that the armed forces will enforce conduct standards at all levels without deference to rank.