Theresa May has confidence in her Government and ministers, Downing Street said, amid allegations of sexual impropriety at Westminster.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who has apologised for putting his hand on a female journalist’s knee, will not be investigated by the Cabinet Office.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, right, leaving today’s Cabinet meeting (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
It is separately probing whether international trade minister Mark Garnier breached the ministerial code after he admitted asking his secretary to buy sex toys.
As an unverified list of sexual misconduct allegations, which includes serving Cabinet and junior ministers, circulated around Westminster, the spokesman told reporters: “The Prime Minister has confidence in her Government and her ministers in getting on with the job.”
The incident concerning Sir Michael involved radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer, who says she does not regard it as “anything but mildly amusing”.
The spokesman refused to say whether the PM has full confidence in Sir Michael, adding: “The Defence Secretary has said that he apologised for an incident which took place some time ago, I don’t believe there is a complaint that has been made against him.”
Asked whether the incident involving Sir Michael would be investigated by the Cabinet Office, the spokesman said: “No. As I said, he apologised and in this instance there isn’t a complainant who has come forward.”
It is “right” that Sir Michael apologised for the incident, the spokesman added.
Asked if Sir Michael had offered his resignation, he replied: “I have nothing to add on this, I’m not getting into running commentary, speculation.”