Royal Navy's first ever female Commander removed from post amid 'affair with officer' claims

Commander Sarah West had been removed from her post amid claims she had an affair with a subordinate officer.

17:24 08 August 2014

Sarah West, the first ever female commander of a Royal Navy warship has been removed from her post amid claims she had an affair with a subordinate officer. However, she will remain in service and be appointed to another position, as confirmed by a spokesman.

The 42-year-old made headlines when she was put in charge of HMS Portland in 2012. In July, she left her ship after allegations emerged that she had an affair with her married third-in-command, Lt Cdr Richard Gray.

"We can confirm that Commander Sarah West, Commanding Officer of HMS Portland, has been removed from command," a spokesman said.

"This is an internal matter between the individual and her senior officers and we will not give further details of the removal.

"Commander West will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and she will be reappointed to a post where her skills and experience can be used to best effect."

Commander West said that her appointment was her greatest achievement two years ago.

"I'm really proud to be the first woman but I'm not reinventing the wheel. Lots of women in the services have challenging roles. It's just that I happen to be newsworthy at the moment," she told the Daily Mirror.

"There are drawbacks though. Years at sea probably explains why I'm single. But every person in the military makes sacrifices."