Navy chief Sir Ben Key's affair was 'exposed by her husband'

An affair involving the suspended head of the Royal Navy and a junior female officer was exposed by her husband, sources have revealed.

Admiral Sir Ben Key, 59, was told to 'step back from all duties' last month over claims the married father of three had an affair with a female officer.

At the time, allies of the former First Sea Lord claimed the allegation was part of a 'dirty tricks campaign' against Sir Ben following months of fierce in-fighting at the top of the Armed Forces.

But now it has emerged the 'consensual' relationship came to light after the officer's non-serving husband filed a complaint with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), The Telegraph reported.

It is understood the husband believed Sir Ben should be held accountable to the same standards as those beneath him.