Michael Fallon's resignation is ridiculous, says female journalist at centre of 'kneegate'

'This is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a cabinet minister ever'

Julia Hartley-Brewer, the journalist who was touched on the knee by Sir Michael Fallon has called his resignation "ridiculous" but said she doubts that the incident was the reason for him quitting.

"If this is over kneegate, him touching my knee 15 years ago and me not having any issue with it today, this is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a cabinet minister ever," she told Sky News.

"However I don't think that is the reason."

Sir Michael has previously apologised for the incident at a Conservative Party conference dinner in 2002. He said he had "overstepped the mark".

Taking to Twitter after news of his resignation broke, Ms Hartley Brewer said: "Bloody Hell".

The talkRADIO host added: "I doubt my knee was the reason".

In the subsequent interview with Sky News, she said: "I doubt very much if one of the standards they require in the armed forces means that no man in the military has ever touched the knee of a younger woman.

"I think he has been a very good Defence Secretary and I'm sad that a leading member of this Government has fallen at a time when this Government is on very shaky ground. I want a Government that can run the country and push through Brexit."

Accusations of sexual misconduct have surrounded Sir Michael in recent days after he admitted to feeling a female journalist’s knee in 2002.

In a letter to Number 10, Sir Michael said: “A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs 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 we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent.

“I have reflected on my position and I am therefore resigning as Defence Secretary.”

In her reply to Sir Michael's resignation letter, Prime Minister Theresa May said: "I appreciate the characteristically serious manner in which you have considered your position, and the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others."