Damian Green says computer porn allegations are 'political smears'

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Theresa May's most senior minister has denied a claim that police found pornography on a computer in his office in Westminster during a raid in 2008.

First Secretary of State Damian Green said the ex-police chief's allegations in the Sunday Times were "completely untrue" and "political smears".

And he said police had never told him that any improper material had been found on his parliamentary computer.

It comes amid a growing sexual misconduct scandal in Westminster.

'Humiliated'

On Sunday, further details emerged about allegations against Sir Michael Fallon, who this week resigned as defence secretary over his behaviour.

The Observer reported that he quit shortly after journalist Jane Merrick told Downing Street he had lunged at her and attempted to kiss her on the lips in 2003 after they had lunch together.

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Ms Merrick, who was a 29-year-old reporter at the Daily Mail at the time, told the Observer she "shrank away in horror" before returning to her office in the press gallery.

"I felt humiliated, ashamed. Was I even guilty that maybe I had led him on in some way by drinking with him?" she said.

"After years of having a drink with so many other MPs who have not acted inappropriately towards me, I now know I was not."

Friends of Sir Michael have not denied the allegation, but the BBC understands that his ministerial career ended because he could not guarantee there would be no further revelations after he admitted repeatedly touching another journalist's knee at a conference dinner 15 years ago.

Conservative MP Anna Soubry praised the journalist's "outstanding bravery" in coming forward and said she had put her in touch with Downing Street after Ms Merrick had confided in her and Labour's Harriet Harman.

Asked whether Ms Merrick's story was the reason for Sir Michael's resignation, she told the BBC's Andrew Marr show, "yes", pointing out that he had not denied the allegation.

sourch:bbcnews