World
Britain’s Defence Minister, Michael Fallon Resigns Over Sex Scandal
British Defence Minister, Michael Fallon, has quit saying his conduct had fallen below the high standards demanded of his position, the first resignation in a sexual harassment scandal in parliament.
Fallon was described by sources in her ruling Conservative Party as a political “Rottweiler”.
His was the first high-profile resignation after a growing number of allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been made against ministers and lawmakers, fueled by sex abuse allegations against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein.
Fallon apologised on Monday for touching a radio presenter’s knee in 2002 – something the woman in question described on social media as “mildly amusing”.
In his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Theresa May, he said there had been many allegations about lawmakers 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 that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent,” he said.
“I have reflected on my position and I am, therefore, resigning as defence secretary.”
May replied in a letter saying she appreciated “the characteristically serious manner” in which Fallon had considered his position and “the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others”.
Local media said his replacement would be announced soon.
The growing scandal could damage May if there are further allegations against members of her party as it relies on a small Northern Irish party for a majority in parliament.
Allegations of sexual abuse have ranged from a charge of rape by an activist in the opposition Labour Party by a senior party member, to unconfirmed details of serial “sex pests” on a list reportedly drafted by aides and researchers in parliament.
On Monday, May sat beside the leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom as she set out the government’s plans to tackle sexual harassment, including measures to enforce a code of conduct and to set up an independent grievance procedure.
May has ordered investigations into a report that one of her ministers asked a female secretary to buy sex toys and an allegation her deputy, Damian Green, made an inappropriate sexual advance on a young woman – something he denies.
The prime minister, who has long championed the careers of female lawmakers, said on Wednesday that action would be taken when there were allegations and evidence of sexual misconduct.
“I am very clear that we will take action against those where there are allegations that we see, and the evidence is there, that there has been misconduct,” May told lawmakers.
Asikogu Samuel
November 2, 2017 at 10:13 pm
In na here any body wey talk am go go cell
Chris John
November 2, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Can’t happen in naija
Victor Ochiaka
November 2, 2017 at 3:16 pm
If na this side of the world, them go greedie
Adanma Emmanuel
November 2, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Idiot
Uguru Justice
November 2, 2017 at 1:17 pm
In Nigeria they will go to court or start paying media to start re packaging their image instead of saving their integrity by resignation
Chidex Hillson
November 2, 2017 at 12:49 pm
This is what happens in a saner climes unlike our banana republic where evil prevails.
Chikezie Samuel
November 2, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Fayose Has Questions He Needs Urgent Answers Who Can Answer!?
Now that the questions are out in the open, can anyone here help us out with the answers? We’re sure Nigerians would love to know.
1. I ask our President, what has happened to the report on the $43m discovered in an apartment at Osbourne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos?
2. What has happened to the allegation of award of $25bn contracts without following due process made against Dr. Baru by Dr Ibe Kachikwu?
3. What happened to the DSS indictment for corruption of Magu and the AGF Investigative Panel set up by the President?
4. Who is the owner of LEGICO Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, VI, Lagos inside which the EFCC claimed that it found N448.8 million cash?
5. Who brought the five sacks in which the EFCC claimed that it found N49 million cash to the Kaduna Airport?
6. What happened to the probe panel on the alleged N500m bribery said to have been paid to the Chief of Staff (COS), Abba Kyari by MTN?
7. Most importantly,, today is Saturday, what has happened to the report submitted on Tuesday on the fraudulent reinstatement of Maina?
8. Is the President going to use APC broom to sweep the report on Maina under the carpet just as he did to others before it?
Afunwa Stephen Stephen
November 2, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Okay..
Audu Sunnie
November 2, 2017 at 12:12 pm
In Nigeria such people are treated in honour!