Head of Royal Navy steps back from role due to personal reasons, MOD confirms

The First Sea Lord has stepped back from his role due to personal reasons, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.

Admiral Sir Ben Key, 59, will be replaced by the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell.

VAdm Sir Martin has taken full control of the Royal Navy during this time.

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"The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, has stepped back due to private reasons and we will not comment further," an MOD spokesperson said in a short statement.

It is standard procedure for the Second Sea Lord to take on these responsibilities should the First Sea Lord step back.

According to a report in the Financial Times, he is not stepping back due to the Government's Strategic Defence Review.

Adm Sir Ben told the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Defence Secretary of his plans to step down last autumn, the Financial Times said.

It was also reported that the MOD had already interviewed candidates for the position.

Adm Sir Ben first joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet.

He went on to qualify as both helicopter aircrew and a Principal Warfare Officer.

He has commanded four ships, including the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and Lancaster, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

The First Sea Lord is the professional head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council.