Damian Green inquiry to conclude ‘within days’
The PM will quickly replace her deputy if allegations of impropriety are proven
The inquiry into harassment allegations levelled against Theresa May’s de facto deputy is expected to conclude “within days”, The Guardian reports.
The paper says First Secretary of State Damian Green’s political future “hangs in the balance” as he awaits the findings of a Cabinet Office investigation into allegations he harassed a young Conservative activist and downloaded pornography to a work computer.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Sue Grey, the Cabinet Office head of propriety and ethics, who is leading the inquiry, was examining Green’s computer records from the past five years, a claim denied by Whitehall.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The reports follow an interview by former Met police assistant commissioner Bob Quick, in which he claimed pornography of an “extreme” nature was found on Green’s parliamentary computer after a police raid in 2008. The former work and pensions secretary denied the allegations and accused Quick of a “disreputable political smear”.
It not known whether Grey will find any evidence of wrongdoing by Green, but the Prime Minister has drawn up contingency plans in case she is forced to sack her most trusted lieutenant.
Earlier this week, The Times reported that Environment Secretary Michael Gove was being lined up as a possible replacement, with Home Secretary Amber Rudd also a candidate. “Alternatively Mrs May could dispense with the role,” the paper says.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Olive oil: alternatives for the 'liquid gold'
The Week Recommends As the price of this store cupboard staple has rocketed, we look at ways to save and other oils to use for cooking
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Scotland Yard, Gaza and the politics of policing protests
Talking Point Met Police accused of 'two-tier policing' by former home secretary as new footage emerges of latest flashpoint
By The Week UK Published
-
'Cure for Trump amnesia might be his NY trial'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Farewell to Theresa May: a PM consumed by Brexit
Talking Point Maidenhead MP standing down at next general election
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published
-
How the biggest election year in history might play out
The Explainer Votes in world's biggest democracies, as well as its most 'despotic' and 'stressed' countries, face threats of violence and suppression
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published