Damian Green inquiry to conclude ‘within days’

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.

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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.