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{{short description|British politician (born 1956)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox MP
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
| honorific-prefix =
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Damian Green
| honorific-suffix = ] | honorific-prefix = ]
| image = Damian Green.jpg | name = Damian Green
| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|PC}}
| caption = Green during the 2009 Conservative Party Conference
| image = Official portrait of Rt Hon Damian Green MP crop 2.jpg
| office = ]
| office = ]
| term_start = 13 May 2010
| primeminister = ]
| term_end =
| term_start = 11 June 2017
| primeminister = ]
| term_end = 20 December 2017
| predecessor = ]
| predecessor = ]{{ref label|aaa|a}}
| successor = ]
| successor = ]{{ref label|bbb|b}}
| office2 = ] <br> for ]
| office1 = ]
| term_start2 = 1 May 1997
| primeminister1 = ]
| term_end2 =
| term_start1 = 11 June 2017
| majority2 = 17,297 (31.3%)
| term_end1 = 20 December 2017
| predecessor2 = ]
| predecessor1 = ]
| successor2 =
| successor1 = ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1956|01|17|df=yes}}
| office2 = ]
| birth_place = ], ]
| primeminister2 = ]
| death_date =
| term_start2 = 14 July 2016
| death_place =
| term_end2 = 11 June 2017
| nationality = ]
| predecessor2 = ]
| spouse = Alicia Collinson
| successor2 = ]
| party = ]
| office3 = ]
| relations =
| primeminister3 = ]
| children =
| term_start3 = 4 September 2012
| residence =
| term_end3 = 14 July 2014
| alma_mater = ]
| predecessor3 = ]
| occupation =
| successor3 = ]
| profession =
| office4 = ]
| religion = ]
| primeminister4 = ]
| signature =
| term_start4 = 13 May 2010
| website =
| term_end4 = 4 September 2012
| footnotes =
| predecessor4 = ]
| successor4 = ]
| office5 = Chair of the ]{{efn|Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee until April 2023.}}
| termlabel5 = Acting
| predecessor5 = ]
| successor5 = ]
| term_start5 = 25 April 2023
| term_end5 = 17 May 2023
| termlabel6 = Acting
| predecessor6 = ]
| successor6 = ]
| term_start6 = 10 January 2023
| term_end6 = 31 March 2023
| office7 = Chair of the ]
| leader7 = ] <br /> ] <br /> ]
| term_start7 = 24 July 2019
| term_end7 = 30 May 2024
| predecessor7 = ] & <br />]
| successor7 =
| office9 = ]<br />for ]
| term_start9 = 1 May 1997
| term_end9 = 30 May 2024
| predecessor9 = ]
| successor9 = ]
| majority9 =
| title10 = Shadow Cabinet portfolios
| suboffice10 = ]
| subterm10 = 2001–2003
| suboffice11 = ]
| subterm11 = 2003–2004
| birth_name = Damian Howard Green
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|1|17|df=yes}}
| birth_place = ], Wales
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = ]
| spouse = Alicia Collinson
| children = 2
| alma_mater = ]
| signature = Signature of Damian Green.png
| website = {{url|damiangreen.co.uk|Official website}}
| caption = Official portrait, 2020
| footnotes = a. {{note|aaa}}Office vacant from 13 July 2016 to 11 June 2017.<br/>b. {{note|bbb}}Office vacant from 20 December 2017 to 24 July 2019.
}} }}
] in 2013]]
'''Damian Howard Green''' (born 17 January 1956) is a ] ] who has been the ] ] for ] since 1997. He came to national prominence after being arrested and having his parliamentary office raided in November 2008.<ref name="BBC Arrest">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7753557.stm|title=Senior Tory arrested over leaks|first=2008-11-28|publisher=BBC News|accessdate = 2008-12-01 | date=2008-11-28}}</ref> . Before standing for parliament, Damian Green was ]'s business editor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/nov/27/damian-green-profile|date=27 November 2008|title=One-nation Tory who became known as one of Westminster's top sleuths|publisher=Guardian|accessdate =28 November 2008 | location=London | first=Nicholas | last=Watt}}</ref> On 13 May 2010 he was appointed ] in the newly formed ]-] ] under ].
'''Damian Howard Green''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|PC}} (born 17 January 1956)<ref>{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2051750.stm|title = Damian Green
|work = ]|date = 21 October 2002|accessdate = 22 April 2022}}</ref> is a British politician who served as ] and ] from June<ref name="UK Cabinet appointments">{{cite news|date=11 June 2017|title=Election 2017: Prime Minister and Cabinet appointments|publisher=UK Government|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/election-2017-prime-minister-and-ministerial-appointments|url-status=live|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170613003135/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/election-2017-prime-minister-and-ministerial-appointments|archive-date=13 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> to December 2017 in the ]. A member of the ], he served as ] (MP) for ] from ] to ].


Green was born in ], in ] and studied ] at ]. He is married to the barrister Alicia Collinson who was a contemporary of ] at ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendick |first=Robert |date=2016-07-16 |title=Theresa May: the highest achiever of all in the starry, Oxford University geography class of '74 |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/16/theresa-may-the-highest-achiever-of-all-in-the-starry-oxford-uni/ |access-date=2023-07-22 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
==Early life==
Damian Green was born in ], ]. He grew up in ] and was educated at ] and then at ] where he was awarded a ] (BA) degree in ] in 1977 followed by a ]. He was President of the ] in 1977 and was the vice chairman of the ] (now known as ]) for two years from 1980.


After working as a journalist for the ], ] and '']'', he entered parliament at the ] by winning the seat of ] in ].
==Career==

In 1978 he was appointed by ] as a financial ], before joining ] as a business ] in 1982. He joined '']'' for a year in 1984 as the business news ], before returning to television journalism and Channel 4 as the business editor in 1985. He became the ] editor and also a television presenter on Channel 4's ''Business Daily'' television programme in 1987 until he left television to join ] ]'s Policy Unit in 1992. Green had acted as an occasional speech writer for Major since 1988. He left ] in 1994 to run his own ] ].
Green served in several shadow ministerial positions, including ] and ]. He came to national prominence in November 2008 after being arrested and having his parliamentary office raided by police, although no case was brought.<ref name="BBC Arrest">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7753557.stm |title=Senior Tory arrested over leaks |work=BBC News |access-date=1 December 2008 |date=28 November 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204013956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7753557.stm |archive-date=4 December 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He served in the ] until July 2014, first as ] and then as ].

Green was appointed as ] by Prime Minister ] in July 2016. Following the ], he was promoted to First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office. After the results of an inquiry into allegations that he sexually harassed a woman and viewed pornography on a work computer were published, it was found that he had breached the ministerial code and he was instructed to ] amidst the ].<ref name="Rayner">{{cite news |last1=Rayner |first1=Gordon |last2=Hope |first2=Christopher |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/20/breaking-theresa-mays-effective-deputy-damian-green-quits-pornography/ |title=Theresa May's effective deputy Damian Green quits over pornography cover-up |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=20 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220212617/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/20/breaking-theresa-mays-effective-deputy-damian-green-quits-pornography/ |archive-date=20 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He became chair of the ] following the formation of ]'s government in July 2019. In January 2023, he became acting chair of the ] after ] temporarily stood aside, and again in April 2023 after Knight resigned.

At the ], Green lost the Ashford constituency to ] of the ] amidst a strong nationwide swing from the Conservatives. This represented the first time since ] that the seat had returned a non-Conservative MP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2024/uk/constituencies/E14001069|title=Ashford - General election results 2024 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=5 July 2024}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Damian Green was born in ], ], Wales. He grew up in ] and was educated at ].

Green studied ] at ]. He was president of the ] in 1977 and was the vice-chairman of the ] (now known as ]) from 1980 until 1982.

During his time at Oxford, Green broke a wrist after a group of fellow students ambushed him and threw him into the River Cherwell. Reportedly the group included ], who was later to serve alongside Green as a cabinet minister.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marsden |first1=Sam |title='Class rivalry among Tories' behind 1977 attack on Damian Green at Oxford |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/9796879/Class-rivalry-among-Tories-behind-1977-attack-on-Damian-Green-at-Oxford.html |access-date=25 March 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132820/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/9796879/Class-rivalry-among-Tories-behind-1977-attack-on-Damian-Green-at-Oxford.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Water under the bridge? Attorney General Dominic Grieve 'threw Police minister Damian Green off bridge'.... but it was 35 years ago while the pair were at university |last1=McSmith |first1=Andy |last2=Peck |first2=Tom |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/water-under-the-bridge-attorney-general-dominic-grieve-threw-police-minister-damian-green-off-bridge-but-it-was-35-years-ago-while-the-pair-were-at-university-8444971.html |access-date=25 March 2015 |work=The Independent |location=London |date=9 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402164548/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/water-under-the-bridge-attorney-general-dominic-grieve-threw-police-minister-damian-green-off-bridge-but-it-was-35-years-ago-while-the-pair-were-at-university-8444971.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Early career==
In 1978, Green was appointed by ] as a financial journalist, before joining '']'' as a business producer in 1982. He joined '']'' for a year in 1984 as the business news editor before returning to television journalism and Channel 4 as the business editor in 1985. He became the ] editor and presenter on Channel 4's '']'' television programme in 1987 until he left television to join Prime Minister ]'s Policy Unit in 1992. Green had acted as an occasional speechwriter for Major since 1988. He left ] in 1994 to run his own ] in ].


==Political career== ==Political career==
Green stood unsuccessfully for election in ] at the ], where he came second with 36.6% of the vote behind the incumbent ] MP ].<ref name="electoralcalculus1992">{{cite web |title=Election Data 1992 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054418/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref>
He stood against ] ] in ] at the ], but lost by 5,971 votes. He was elected to the ] for the ] seat of ] at the ] following the retirement of the Tory MP ]. Green held the seat with a majority of 5,345 and has remained the constituency's MP. He made his ] on 20 May 1997.<ref>{{cite web|author=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons, Westminster |url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo970520/debtext/70520-26.htm#70520-26_spnew3 |title=House of Commons Hansard Debates |date=20 May 1997 |accessdate=12 January 2009}}</ref>


At the ], Green was elected as MP for ], winning with 41.4% of the vote and a majority of 5,345.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 May 1997 |title=Politics Resources |url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/constit/388.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811185111/http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/constit/388.htm |archive-date=11 August 2011 |access-date=25 December 2010 |work=Election 1997 |publisher=Politics Resources}}</ref><ref>C. Rallings & M. Thrasher, The Media Guide to the New Parliamentary Constituencies, p.120 (Plymouth: LGC Elections Centre, 1995)</ref> He made his ] on 20 May 1997.<ref>{{cite web |author=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons, Westminster |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo970520/debtext/70520-26.htm#70520-26_spnew3 |title=House of Commons Hansard Debates |date=20 May 1997 |access-date=12 January 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414024054/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo970520/debtext/70520-26.htm#70520-26_spnew3 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was re-elected as MP for Ashford at the ] with an increased vote share of 47.4% and an increased majority of 7,359.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ashford Constituency - Election Polling |url=https://www.electionpolling.co.uk/constituencies/uk-parliament/ashford |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.electionpolling.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Past election results from the borough of Ashford. |url=https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/elections-and-referendums/election-results-archive/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.ashford.gov.uk}}</ref> At the ], Green was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 51.6% and an increased majority of 13,298.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 - 2005 General Election - Ashford |url=https://api.parliament.uk/uk-general-elections/elections/24464 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=api.parliament.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Past election results from the borough of Ashford. |url=https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/elections-and-referendums/election-results-archive/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.ashford.gov.uk}}</ref> At the ], Green was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 54.1% and an increased majority of 17,297.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ashford.gov.uk |url=http://www.ashford.gov.uk/pdf/Statement%20of%20Perons%20Nominated%20and%20Notice%20of%20poll.pdf}}</ref>
In ] he was a member of the ] ] from 1997 until his appointment to the ] by ] in 1998 as a spokesman on education and employment. He spoke on the ] from 1999, and was promoted to the ] by ] in 2001 as the Shadow ]. In 2003, ] gave him the position of Shadow ]. In September 2004, he left the front bench altogether of his own accord<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3652162.stm |title=Green calls for Tory compassion |publisher=BBC News |date=13 September 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2009}}</ref> and joined the ] select committee, and has been a member of the ] committee since the ]. He returned to the frontbench under the leadership of ] in 2005 as a spokesman on home affairs and shadow minister for ].


Green is an advocate of allowing illegal immigrants to return to the UK sooner.<ref name="sooner">{{cite news |date=16 March 2011 |title=Illegal Migrants Can Return To UK Sooner |url=https://news.sky.com/story/illegal-migrants-can-return-to-uk-sooner-10489069 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223224857/https://news.sky.com/story/illegal-migrants-can-return-to-uk-sooner-10489069 |archive-date=23 December 2017 |publisher=] |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He has supported ] for overstayers and other migrants in order to avoid ], claiming "we expect those with no right to be in the country to leave voluntarily". In 2011, in his role as Immigration Minister, he relaxed a five-year re-entry ban to two years<ref>{{cite news |date=13 January 2006 |title=Asylum seekers to be asked: will you leave for £3,000? |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/asylum-seekers-to-be-asked-will-you-leave-for-pound3000-57t6g9m9lmf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211110452/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/asylum-seekers-to-be-asked-will-you-leave-for-pound3000-57t6g9m9lmf |archive-date=11 December 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017 |website=]}}</ref> He has stated that the illegal immigrants being in the UK for a "shorter period of time" was a positive and "saves money",<ref name="sooner" /> although children kept being detained.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/sep/09/detention-children-immigration-centres | title=Government climbdown on detention of children in immigration centres | newspaper=The Guardian | date=8 September 2010 | last1=McVeigh | first1=Karen | last2=Taylor | first2=Matthew }}</ref>
Green is Chairman of Parliamentary Mainstream, a Vice-President of the ] and is a Vice-Chairman of the ].<ref></ref>


At the ], Green was again re-elected, with a decreased vote share of 52.5% and an increased majority of 19,296.<ref name="electoralcalculus">{{cite web |title=Election Data 2015 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112223/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref>
==2008 arrest==
Green was arrested by the ] at his constituency home on 27 November 2008 on suspicion of “aiding and abetting misconduct in public office” and
“conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office”,<ref name="BBC Arrest">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7753557.stm|title=Senior Tory arrested over leaks|first=2008-11-28|publisher=BBC News|accessdate =1 December 2008 | date=28 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3532133/Tory-minister-Damian-Green-arrested-under-the-Official-Secrets-Acts.html|title=Tory shadow minister Damian Green arrested after obtaining leaked documents|date=28 November 2008|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate =1 December 2008 | location=London | first1=Robert | last1=Winnett | first2=James | last2=Kirkup}}</ref> in relation to an investigation into unauthorised disclosure of confidential material from within the ]. The material disclosed was claimed by the '']'' to have 'severely embarrassed' the Government by highlighting failures over immigration and other matters.<ref name="DailyMailArrest" /> The police investigation was initiated by the ] at the Home Office, ]. It was reported that the arrest took place without the knowledge of the ], ]. Green was held for nine hours on suspicion of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.


Green was opposed to ] prior to the ].<ref name="thespectatorwhichtorympsbackbrexit">{{cite news |last1=Goodenough |first1=Tom |date=16 February 2016 |title=Which Tory MPs back Brexit, who doesn't and who is still on the fence? |url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/02/which-tory-mps-back-brexit-who-doesnt-and-who-is-still-on-the-fence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022111657/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/02/which-tory-mps-back-brexit-who-doesnt-and-who-is-still-on-the-fence/ |archive-date=22 October 2016 |access-date=11 October 2016 |work=The Spectator |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Green's constituency and ] offices were searched in addition to his London and Ashford homes, with police removing official documents and bank statements, computer hard drive and mobile telephone, and searching personal items such as ]s written to his wife some twenty years earlier.<ref name="DailyMailArrest">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1090386/Police-state-Britain-MPs-want-protection-arrest-Tory-telling-truths-Labour-didnt-want-know.html|title=Police state Britain: MPs want protection after arrest of Tory for telling truths Labour didn't want you to know |date=29 November 2008|publisher=The Daily Mail|accessdate =1 December 2008 | location=London | first1=Benedict | last1=Brogan | first2=James | last2=Chapman | first3=Stephen | last3=Wright}}</ref> Green was later released on bail. In , ] ], responsible for the security of the Palace of Westminster, stated that, although the police undertaking the search had neither presented a ] nor given (what Martin said was) the requisite advice that such a warrant was necessary, the search of the Parliamentary office had been undertaken with express written consent from the ], the ], who had signed a consent form without consulting the ] ].<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/3546532/Damian-Green-raid-Pressure-on-Speaker-Michael-Martin-to-go.html Daily Telegraph 3 December 2008</ref>


Green is chairman of Parliamentary Mainstream, a vice-president of the ] and is a vice-chairman of the John Smith Memorial Trust.<ref>{{cite web |title=MP for Ashford |url=http://www.damiangreen.co.uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729092506/http://www.damiangreen.co.uk/ |archive-date=29 July 2016 |access-date=11 September 2016 |publisher=Damian Green |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The arrest of a senior opposition politician (and former journalist) on matters connected with that politician's obtaining of confidential information for release to journalists generated much comment, largely from politicians and journalists. The Conservative Party leader ] was said to be 'angry' over the action of the police. The Conservative Party issued a statement, stating that, while no one should be above the law, Green had "a right" to publish information in the public interest. {{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}


At the snap ], Green was again re-elected, with an increased vote share of 59% and a decreased majority of 17,478.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ashford constituency election results - Election Vote |url=https://www.electionvote.co.uk/constituency/ashford/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.electionvote.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Past election results from the borough of Ashford. |url=https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-council/register-to-vote-and-elections/elections-and-referendums/election-results-archive/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.ashford.gov.uk}}</ref> He was again re-elected at the ], with an increased vote share of 62.1% and an increased majority of 24,029.<ref>{{Cite web |title=View the Statement or Persons Nominated as candidates for the Ashford constituency |url=https://www.ashford.gov.uk/councillors-meetings-and-elections/elections-and-electoral-registration/elections/statement-of-persons-nominated-parliamentary-election-2019/ |access-date=2019-11-14 |website=Ashford Borough Council |language=en-gb}}</ref>
The constitutional expert Professor ] of ] told the BBC that the row was a "storm in a teacup", adding that the “important principle is that MPs - apart from when they're speaking in the chamber and dealing with constituents' correspondence - are as subject to the same laws as the rest of us”.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7757876.stm|title=Row over Green 'grooming' claims|date=1 December 2008|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=1 December 2008}}</ref> ] ], a noted human rights author and barrister called the arrest “an affront to democracy” and called on the Speaker of the House to resign if it should prove that he had authorised the police search of Green's office. Robertson also pointed out that much of the debate over the police action had missed the point, observing that police have operational independence, and it would have been wrong for them to have told their plans to the Prime Minister or the Home Secretary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23595009-details/Mr+Green%27s+arrest+is+an+affront+to+democracy:+Michael+Martin+must+go/article.do|title=Mr Green's arrest is an affront to democracy: Michael Martin must go|last=Robertson|first=Geoffrey|date=1 December 2008|publisher=London Evening Standard|accessdate=2 December 2008}}</ref>


===Shadow ministerial career===
A junior Home Office civil servant, ] admitted leaking four documents to Green.<ref name="Summers">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/apr/24/damian-green-civil-servant-sacked|title=Damian Green leaks civil servant sacked|last=Summers|first=Deborah|date=24 April 2009|publisher=]|location=London|accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref> In the 2004 local elections, Galley stood as a Conservative Party candidate for the ] ward of ] and received 676 votes. In mid-2007, Galley had applied to work for Green but was rejected.<ref>{{cite news
While a ], he was a member of the ] from 1997 until his appointment to the ] by ] in 1998 as a spokesman on education and employment. He spoke on the ] from 1999 and was promoted to the ] by ] in 2001 as the Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/arrested-mp-accused-of-grooming-mole-1042722.html|date=1 December 2008|title=Arrested MP accused of 'grooming' mole|publisher=The Independent|accessdate =1 December 2008 | location=London | first=Nigel | last=Morris}}</ref>


In 2003, ] gave him the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. In September 2004, he left the frontbench altogether of his own accord<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3652162.stm |title=Green calls for Tory compassion |work=BBC News |date=13 September 2004 |access-date=12 January 2009}}</ref> and joined the ].
The events led to speculation about the apparent coincidence that such a high profile arrest should be authorised on the last day in office of former Metropolitan Police Commissioner ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article5248278.ece|title=Tory frontbench MP Damian Green arrested over leaks|date=28 November 2008|publisher=The Times|accessdate =1 December 2008 | location=London | first1=Francis | last1=Elliot | first2=Richard | last2=Ford}}</ref> It was however also reported that there is no legal requirement for any arrest to be authorised by the Commissioner, and that the decision would usually be made by the officer leading the investigation.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} The investigation and arrest of Green were conducted by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Branch headed by ] ], who had been appointed in August 2008 as the most senior anti-terrorism officer.


Following the 2005 general election, Green returned to the shadow frontbench under the leadership of ] as a spokesman on home affairs and shadow minister for immigration.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 October 2009 |title=UK &#124; Q&A: Damian Green affair |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7754099.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813161452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7754099.stm |archive-date=13 August 2016 |access-date=11 September 2016 |work=BBC News |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The arrest was criticised by political figures including Conservative Leader ], ] leader ] and ] politician ]. The ] ] made no comment over the arrest other than to say it was a police matter.<ref name="DailyMailArrest" /> The Director of the UK ] organisation ], ], wrote in ''The Sunday Times'' an article highly critical of the arrest and search of Green's offices.<ref>{{cite news | title=This arrest of an MP is a threat to us all| date=30 November 2008 | publisher= Sunday Times| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5258087.ece | accessdate =30 November 2008 | location=London | first=Shami | last=Chakrabarti}}</ref> The ], ], has also expressed her concern, and ] ] was said to be 'surprised' by the arrest of which he knew nothing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Damian-Green-Arrest-Harriet-Harman-Calls-For-Review-Of-Police-Powers/Article/200811415167424?lpos=Politics_News_Your_Way_Region_6&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15167424_Damian_Green_Arrest%3A_Harriet_Harman_Calls_For_Review_Of_Police_Powers|title=Harman concerned at Green affair|date=30 November 2008|publisher=Sky News|accessdate =30 November 2008}}</ref>


Whilst sitting as an MP he was a non-executive director of Mid Kent Water from 2005 to 2007, and of its successor company ] until 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.directorstats.co.uk/director/damian-green/ |title=Free Director Filings - Damian Green in Iver Heath, Sidcup |publisher=directorstats.co.uk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011011/http://www.directorstats.co.uk/director/damian-green/ |archive-date=7 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Between July 2009 and February 2010, Green was paid £16,666.64 for 112 hours by South East Water for "attending meetings and offering advice" according to the House of Commons Record of Members Interests.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/mcdonnell-water-green-marr_uk_59217c89e4b034684b0d013e?ut |title=Watch As John McDonnell Blasts A Top Tory For Making A 'Fortune' Out Of The Water Industry |date=21 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014054/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/mcdonnell-water-green-marr_uk_59217c89e4b034684b0d013e?ut |archive-date=7 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Green is reported by ] to have believed he was the subject of a bugging operation, which would have required the authorisation of the ], ].<ref name=JSonAM>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7757170.stm |title=MP's arrest not Stalinist - Smith |date=30 November 2008|publisher=BBC News|accessdate =1 December 2008}}</ref> Smith stated that she had not granted any such order.<ref name=JSonAM /> Green's constituency agent subsequently confirmed that a search of Green's two homes, his offices in Bethersden and Westminster, and his car had been commissioned, but that no listening devices were discovered.<ref>{{cite news|title=MP hires firm to sweep for bugs|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/news/434186-mp-hires-firm-to-sweep-for-bugs|accessdate=23 February 2012|newspaper=The Metro}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MP's home swept for 'police bugs'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7768372.stm|accessdate=23 February 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=5 December 2008}}</ref>


===Police Minister===
On 21 December 2008, a row erupted when Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick accused the Conservative Party of trying to undermine his investigation and of endangering the safety of his family by publishing details of his home in the '']'':
As Police Minister in the coalition government, Green called for increased partnerships between the police and the private sector.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Nigel |title=New policing minister Damian Green calls for private sector to take a greater role in police work despite G4S shambles |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-policing-minister-damian-green-calls-for-private-sector-to-take-a-greater-role-in-police-work-despite-g4s-shambles-8125562.html |access-date=25 March 2015 |work=Independent |date=11 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124249/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-policing-minister-damian-green-calls-for-private-sector-to-take-a-greater-role-in-police-work-despite-g4s-shambles-8125562.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
“The Tory machinery and their press friends are mobilised against this investigation. I think it is a very spiteful act, possibly to intimidate me away from investigating Mr Green, and I feel it has put my family at risk.” The Conservative Party stated that it had "played no part whatsoever in the publication of this story",<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/dec/21/police-uksecurity The Guardian 21 December 2008</ref> and that “as the officer leading the inquiry into the allegations involving Damian Green, Assistant Commissioner Quick should display objective professionalism and not make baseless, political attacks. He should retract all of his allegations immediately.”<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7794729.stm |title=MP arrest officer accuses Tories |date=21 December 2008|publisher=BBC News|accessdate =21 December 2008}}</ref>


===Theresa May ministry===
The following day Quick did retract his statements and apologised: “I have now reflected on the comments I made yesterday at a difficult time for me and my family ... I wish to make clear that it was not my intention to make any allegations and retract my comments. I apologise unreservedly for any offence or embarrassment that I have caused.” On 9 April 2009, Quick resigned his position after inadvertently revealing details of a counter-terrorist raid that was unrelated to the Green affair.<ref>{{cite news
Green was appointed as ] by ] in July 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36789430 |title=Crabb resigns as Work and Pensions Secretary |date=14 July 2016 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714145029/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36789430 |archive-date=14 July 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7991307.stm|title=Police chief quits over blunder|date=9 April 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=16 April 2009}}</ref>


He was appointed as ] on 11 June 2017 following the ], effectively making him May's deputy. He was also promoted to ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40241229 |title=Theresa May carries out Cabinet reshuffle |date=11 June 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611153102/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40241229 |archive-date=11 June 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On 16 April 2009, the ] announced that it was not going to bring a case against either Green or Galley, the Home Office civil servant who passed data to Mr Green, as there was "insufficient evidence"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8001747.stm |title=MP Will not be charged |date=16 April 2009|publisher=BBC News|accessdate =16 April 2009}}</ref> for either to face charges. This followed the Commons ] criticizing Home Office civil servants for prompting the investigation by using "exaggerated" claims about the implications for national security that the leaks held.


===Candidacy for the 2024 election===
On 18 April 2009, Damian Green claimed that arresting officers had searched his computer documents and emails for key words "]", fuelling claims that his arrest had been politically motivated.<ref>
</ref> Following a disciplinary hearing, Galley was sacked from the civil service on 24 April 2009 for “gross professional misconduct”.<ref name="Summers"/>


With the ] foreshadowing substantial changes to the Ashford constituency, Green sought selection for the new seat of Weald of Kent. On 19 February 2023 he announced on Twitter that he had been unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tweet |url=https://twitter.com/damiangreen/status/1627312128276197377?s=46&t=3gbuD1kVCmnHp2bg09vCxQ |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Allegretti |first1=Aubrey |last2=correspondent |first2=Aubrey Allegretti Political |date=2023-02-19 |title=Damian Green rejected as Tory candidate for Weald of Kent |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/feb/19/damian-green-rejected-as-tory-candidate-for-weald-of-kent |access-date=2023-02-24 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Senior Tory MP Damian Green rejected as candidate in next general election |url=https://news.sky.com/story/senior-tory-mp-damian-green-rejected-as-candidate-in-next-general-election-12815320 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> On 28 February he announced that he would seek selection for the revised seat of Ashford.<ref>Dan Wright,
Galley claimed that Green told him: “If you are fired, we will look after you”, but that his attempts to find work have been rebuffed; Conservative MPs, Galley averred, “don't want to touch me now that I have done their dirty work”.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6314982.ece|title=Christopher Galley, the mole in Damian Green case, says: ‘Tories dumped me’|date=19 May 2009|author=Steve Boggan|publisher=]|accessdate=19 May 2009 | location=London}}</ref>
, Kent Online, 28 February 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.</ref> Green's selection for Ashford was confirmed on 31 March 2023.<ref>, 31 March 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.</ref>


Green came second in the Ashford constituency at the 2024 UK general election.
==Personal life==

Damian Green married Alicia Collinson, a barrister, in April 1988 in the ]. They have two daughters, both born in ], ].<ref></ref> He is a season ticket holder at ].
== Controversies ==

===2008 arrest===
Green was arrested by the ] at his constituency home on 27 November 2008 on suspicion of "aiding and abetting misconduct in public office" and "conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office".<ref name="BBC Arrest" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3532133/Tory-minister-Damian-Green-arrested-under-the-Official-Secrets-Acts.html |title=Tory shadow minister Damian Green arrested after obtaining leaked documents |date=28 November 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=1 December 2008 |location=London |first1=Robert |last1=Winnett |first2=James |last2=Kirkup |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201061307/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/3532133/Tory-minister-Damian-Green-arrested-under-the-Official-Secrets-Acts.html |archive-date=1 December 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The documents were reported to include information politically embarrassing to the then-Labour government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/dec/04/damian-green-whitehall |title=Q&A: The Damian Green Affair |work=The Guardian |date=4 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408171828/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/dec/04/damian-green-whitehall |archive-date=8 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was later released on bail. In a statement to parliament on 3 December, ], ], responsible for the security of the Palace of Westminster, stated that although the police undertaking the search had neither presented a ] nor given "the requisite advice that such a warrant was necessary", the search of the Parliamentary office had been undertaken with the express written consent of the ], ], who had signed a consent form without consulting the ].<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091110094408/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/3546532/Damian-Green-raid-Pressure-on-Speaker-Michael-Martin-to-go.html |date=10 November 2009 }}. '']'', 3 December 2008</ref>

The arrest led to speculation about the apparent coincidence that it was authorised on the last day in office of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article5248278.ece |title=Tory frontbench MP Damian Green arrested over leaks |date=28 November 2008 |work=The Times |access-date=1 December 2008 |location=London |first1=Francis |last1=Elliot |first2=Richard |last2=Ford}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> It was criticised by political figures and journalists.<ref>{{cite news |title=This arrest of an MP is a threat to us all |date=30 November 2008 |work=Sunday Times |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5258087.ece |access-date=30 November 2008 |location=London |first=Shami |last=Chakrabarti |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531104855/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5258087.ece |archive-date=31 May 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Damian-Green-Arrest-Harriet-Harman-Calls-For-Review-Of-Police-Powers/Article/200811415167424?lpos=Politics_News_Your_Way_Region_6&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15167424_Damian_Green_Arrest%3A_Harriet_Harman_Calls_For_Review_Of_Police_Powers |title=Harman concerned at Green affair |date=30 November 2008 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=30 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202031314/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Damian-Green-Arrest-Harriet-Harman-Calls-For-Review-Of-Police-Powers/Article/200811415167424?lpos=Politics_News_Your_Way_Region_6&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15167424_Damian_Green_Arrest%3A_Harriet_Harman_Calls_For_Review_Of_Police_Powers |archive-date=2 December 2008 |df=dmy}}</ref> It was reported in '']'' that he believed he was the subject of a ] operation, which would have required the authorisation of the Home Secretary. ] stated that she had not granted any such order.<ref name=JSonAM>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7757170.stm |title=MP's arrest not Stalinist - Smith |date=30 November 2008 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203110136/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7757170.stm |archive-date=3 December 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Green's constituency agent subsequently confirmed that a search of Green's property and car had been commissioned, but that no listening devices were discovered.<ref>{{cite news |title=MP's home swept for 'police bugs' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7768372.stm |access-date=23 February 2012 |work=BBC News |date=5 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208061120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7768372.stm |archive-date=8 December 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

A junior Home Office civil servant, Christopher Galley, subsequently admitted leaking four "embarrassing" documents to Green and was sacked.<ref name="Summers">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/apr/24/damian-green-civil-servant-sacked |title=Damian Green leaks civil servant sacked |last=Summers |first=Deborah |date=24 April 2009 |work=] |location=London |access-date=17 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914073541/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/apr/24/damian-green-civil-servant-sacked |archive-date=14 September 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 16 April 2009, the ] announced that it was not going to bring a case against either Green or Galley as there was "insufficient evidence".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8001747.stm |title=MP Will not be charged |date=16 April 2009 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417153759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8001747.stm |archive-date=17 April 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Expenses claims===
During the ] '']'' newspaper revealed that, although Green's constituency is a 45-minute commute from Westminster, he claimed expenses for a designated second home in Acton, west London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5581612/MPs-expenses-25-things-youd-never-have-known.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194627/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5581612/MPs-expenses-25-things-youd-never-have-known.html|url-status=dead|title=MPs' expenses: 25 things you'd never have known|archivedate=5 December 2017|website=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> Green has regularly claimed expenses up to the maximum of £400 for food. He has also claimed for the interest on his mortgage, for his council tax, and for his phone bills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/0/mps-expenses-full-list-mps-investigated-telegraph/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504015241/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5297606/MPs-expenses-Full-list-of-MPs-investigated-by-the-Telegraph.html|url-status=dead|title=MPs' expenses: Full list of MPs investigated by The Telegraph|first=Telegraph|last=Reporters|date=16 January 2018|archivedate=4 May 2017|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

===Sexual harassment and pornography allegations===
{{See also|Weinstein effect}}
During the ] revelations, a Cabinet Office inquiry was started into allegations Green sent suggestive text messages and "fleetingly" touched the knee of a young Conservative activist. He disputes this, stating it's "absolutely and completely untrue that I’ve ever made any sexual advances on Ms Maltby".<ref>{{cite news |last=Weaver |first=Matthew |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/01/damian-green-denies-making-sexual-advances-towards-kate-maltby-tory-activist |title=Damian Green denies making sexual advances towards young Tory activist |work=The Guardian |date=1 November 2017 |access-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104170721/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/01/damian-green-denies-making-sexual-advances-towards-kate-maltby-tory-activist |archive-date=4 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Both ] and journalist Rosamund Urwin stated that Maltby had made the claims to them over a year before making them public. Urwin published Facebook messages and time stamps, showing that Maltby had complained to her, and detailed her earlier experience with Green, within four minutes of receiving what she reported as an “inappropriate” text message from Green in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Joe |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/kate-maltby-told-me-a-year-ago-about-damian-green-says-top-qc-a3674476.html |title=Kate Maltby 'told me a year ago about Damian Green', says top QC Baroness Helena Kennedy |work=London Evening Standard |date=2 November 2017 |access-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203013846/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/kate-maltby-told-me-a-year-ago-about-damian-green-says-top-qc-a3674476.html |archive-date=3 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Urwin |first=Rosamund |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/rosamund-urwin-my-part-in-the-maltby-messages-and-why-i-am-revealing-them-now-a3705131.html |title=My part in the 'Maltby Messages' and why I am revealing them now |work=The Evening Standard"date=1 December 2017 |access-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082719/https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/rosamund-urwin-my-part-in-the-maltby-messages-and-why-i-am-revealing-them-now-a3705131.html |archive-date=3 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

During this investigation, allegations emerged that pornography had been found on Green's work computer when he was arrested over leaks in 2008. He said this was a "political smear".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41874026 |title=Damian Green says computer porn allegations are 'political smears' |work=BBC News |date=5 November 2017 |access-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106194849/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41874026 |archive-date=6 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The police detective computer forensics expert who examined the computer when Green was arrested rebutted this in early December 2017, stating: "The computer was in Mr Green’s office, on his desk, logged in, his account, his name ... it was ridiculous to suggest anybody else could have done it".<ref name=Shaw/> In December 2017 the police expert was being investigated by Scotland Yard for keeping copies of confidential material, unrelated to the case he was working on, and then releasing it to the public.<ref name=Evans>{{cite news |author=Martin Evans |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/01/scotland-yard-now-investigating-retired-police-officer-damian/ |title=Scotland Yard now investigating retired police officer over Damian Green 'porn' revelations |work=The Telegraph |date=1 December 2017 |access-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132946/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/01/scotland-yard-now-investigating-retired-police-officer-damian/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Green denied that he downloaded or looked at such images.<ref name=Shaw>{{cite news |author=Danny Shaw |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42151148 |title=Damian Green computer porn claims: 'Thousands' of images viewed |work=BBC News |date=1 December 2017 |access-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201061305/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42151148 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Craig |first=Jon |url=https://news.sky.com/story/investigation-launched-into-accusations-of-inappropriate-behaviour-by-damian-green-11108035 |title=Investigation launched into accusations of inappropriate behaviour by Damian Green |publisher=Sky News |date=1 November 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101140550/https://news.sky.com/story/investigation-launched-into-accusations-of-inappropriate-behaviour-by-damian-green-11108035 |archive-date=1 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Green said that the claims made by the retired ] were "political smears".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/senior-pm-ally-damian-green-denies-computer-porn-claims-11114522 |title=Senior PM ally Damian Green denies computer porn claims |access-date=5 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105155442/https://news.sky.com/story/senior-pm-ally-damian-green-denies-computer-porn-claims-11114522 |archive-date=5 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41874026 |title=Minister denies computer porn allegations |date=5 November 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105073401/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41874026 |archive-date=5 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Metropolitan Police Commissioner ] confirmed that he was informed about the matter at the time but regarded it as a "side issue".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41958392 |title=Police chief 'was told of Damian Green pornography claims' |work=BBC News |date=12 November 2017 |access-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112015824/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41958392 |archive-date=12 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 20 December 2017, Green was removed from his position as ]; it was found that he had lied to colleagues over pornography found on his computer. The report concluded that Green's conduct as a minister had "generally been both professional and proper", but that regarding the allegations by Maltby, although the private nature of their meetings meant that it was "not possible to reach a definitive conclusion" regarding his behaviour towards her, the report found her account to be "plausible".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/670198/SUMMARY_OF_THE_CABINET_SECRETARY_S_REPORT_ON_ALLEGATIONS_ABOUT_DAMIAN_GREEN_S_CONDUCT.pdf |title=SUMMARY OF THE CABINET SECRETARY'S REPORT ON ALLEGATIONS ABOUT DAMIAN GREEN'S CONDUCT |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102712/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/670198/SUMMARY_OF_THE_CABINET_SECRETARY_S_REPORT_ON_ALLEGATIONS_ABOUT_DAMIAN_GREEN_S_CONDUCT.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In his resignation letter, Green said that he deeply regretted the distress to Maltby that the reaction to her article about him had caused, and although maintaining that he did not recognise the events described in it, he "clearly made her feel uncomfortable" and apologised for doing so.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kentish |first=Ben |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/damian-green-quits-latest-resignation-letter-in-full-theresa-may-a8121291.html |title=Damian Green's resignation letter in full: read it here |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223075510/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/damian-green-quits-latest-resignation-letter-in-full-theresa-may-a8121291.html |archive-date=23 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Theresa May had asked him to resign and accepted his resignation. She stated she had "greatly appreciated" his hard work and contribution to her team and that it was "right" that he had apologised to Maltby.<ref>{{cite news |last=Greenfield |first=Patrick |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/20/damian-green-resigns-as-first-secretary-of-state-after-porn-allegations |title=Damian Green resigns as first secretary of state after porn allegations |work=The Guardian |date=20 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220212533/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/20/damian-green-resigns-as-first-secretary-of-state-after-porn-allegations |archive-date=20 December 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

A few days later, Green faced calls to stand down as an MP, following the disclosure of a "dirty tricks" campaign which appeared to target his accuser.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/24/damian-green-faces-calls-stand-mp-accusation-dirty-tricks-against/|title=Damian Green faces calls to stand down as MP after accusation of 'dirty tricks' against Kate Maltby|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|date=24 December 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203065948/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/24/damian-green-faces-calls-stand-mp-accusation-dirty-tricks-against/|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It emerged that text messages passed to the '']'', allegedly sent between Maltby and Green before she made her complaint, had been edited and rewritten in order to inaccurately suggest that Maltby, rather than Green, had encouraged a continued close relationship and solicited a meeting between the two.<ref name="thetimes.co.uk">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/damian-green-accused-of-dirty-tricks-over-leaked-text-messages-92t2jzwvj|title=Damian Green accused of 'dirty tricks' over leaked text messages|first=Tom Harper, Caroline Wheeler and|last=Jon&nbsp;Ungoed‑Thomas|date=24 December 2017|newspaper=The Times|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203065401/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/damian-green-accused-of-dirty-tricks-over-leaked-text-messages-92t2jzwvj|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> After contacting Maltby prior to publication, the ''Mail on Sunday'' corrected one series of messages and the newspaper later issued a further post-publication correction acknowledging that it had published a second forged message and falsely attributed it to her. The faked message and subsequent article falsely accused of her of having flirtatiously texted Green that she regretted his absence from his party, because in his stead one of his aides had "been smooching the room on your behalf x".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/mos-corrects-story-based-on-damian-green-texts-after-journalist-maltby-says-they-were-crudely-edited/|title=MoS corrects story based on Damian Green texts after journalist Maltby says they were 'crudely edited' – Press Gazette|website=www.pressgazette.co.uk|date=2 January 2018|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203065028/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/mos-corrects-story-based-on-damian-green-texts-after-journalist-maltby-says-they-were-crudely-edited/|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Conservative MP ], previously an ally of Green, told the '']'' that attempts to smear Maltby were "wrong and shameful". Another Conservative MP said: "It appears that Green's allies barely paused for breath after he apologised for the distress caused to Kate Maltby before launching an attack. It smacks of a dirty tricks campaign and is unhelpful to the government when it is still dealing with the fallout of the Westminster harassment scandal."<ref name="thetimes.co.uk"/> Maltby and her supporters had accused Green of also being behind a negative, anonymously-briefed attack on her written by the '']'' journalist ]. Her parents, in a statement, responded angrily to claims made by Pierce that they disapproved of her actions and condemned "the attempted campaign in certain sections of the media to denigrate and intimidate her and other witnesses".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/24/kate-maltby-press-war-risks-leveson-revival|title=The press's war on Kate Maltby risks a Leveson revival|first=Jane|last=Martinson|date=24 December 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202165157/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/24/kate-maltby-press-war-risks-leveson-revival|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Writing in the ''Sunday Times'', Maltby alleged that the ''Daily Mail'' attack had been coordinated by Green's team and formed part of a broader strategy of witness intimidation. Maltby alleged that two other women had intended to make allegations against Green, but "as a result" of the ''Daily Mail''{{'}} coverage of her own complaint, "immediately backed out".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kate-maltby-i-wanted-just-one-word-so-mr-green-are-you-sorry-now-kltwxbgg3|title=Kate Maltby: I wanted just one word. So, Mr Green, are you sorry now?|first=Kate|last=Maltby|date=24 December 2017|newspaper=The Times|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203123244/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kate-maltby-i-wanted-just-one-word-so-mr-green-are-you-sorry-now-kltwxbgg3|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, the ''Daily Mail'' paid £11,000 towards Maltby's legal costs after she prepared to go to court regarding Pierce's article. The article was removed from the ''Mail''{{'}}s website without an admission of fault.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/may/23/daily-mail-to-pay-kate-maltby-11000-over-negative-article|title=Daily Mail to pay Kate Maltby £11,000 costs over negative article|work=The Guardian|date=23 May 2018|access-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203323/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/may/23/daily-mail-to-pay-kate-maltby-11000-over-negative-article|archive-date=23 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Publications== ==Publications==
* ''ITN Budget Factbook'', by Damian Green, 1984, ITN * ''ITN Budget Factbook'', 1984, ]
* ''ITN Budget Factbook'', by Damian Green, 1985, ITN * ''ITN Budget Factbook'', 1985, ITN
* ''ITN Budget Factbook'', by Damian Green, 1986, ITN * ''ITN Budget Factbook'', 1986, ITN
* ''Better BBC: Public Service Broadcasting in the '90s'', by Damian Green, 1990, ] ISBN 1-870265-77-7 * ''Better BBC: Public Service Broadcasting in the '90s'', 1990, ] {{ISBN|1-870265-77-7}}
* ''Freedom of the Airwaves'' by Damian Green, 1990, CPC ISBN 0-85070-806-0 * ''Freedom of the Airwaves'', 1990, CPC {{ISBN|0-85070-806-0}}
* ''Communities in the Countryside'', by Damian Green, 1995. ISBN 1-874097-11-9 * ''Communities in the Countryside'', 1995. {{ISBN|1-874097-11-9}}
* ''The Cross Media Revolution: Ownership and Control'', Edited by Damian Green, 1995, University of Luton Press ISBN 0-86196-545-0 * ''The Cross Media Revolution: Ownership and Control'', Edited by Damian Green, 1995, University of Luton Press {{ISBN|0-86196-545-0}}
* ''Regulating the Media in the Digital Age'', by Damian Green, 1997, European Media Forum * ''Regulating the Media in the Digital Age'', 1997, European Media Forum
* ''21st Century Conservatism'', by Damian Green, 1998 * ''21st Century Conservatism'', 1998
* ''The Four Failures of the New Deal'', by Damian Green, 1998, Centre for Policy Studies ISBN 1-897969-84-8 * ''The Four Failures of the New Deal'', 1998, Centre for Policy Studies {{ISBN|1-897969-84-8}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Damian Green}} {{Commons category|Damian Green}}
* ''official constituency website'' * ''official constituency website''
* {{UK MP links | parliament = Damian-Green/76 | publicwhip = Damian_Green | theywork = Damian_Green}}
*
* {{C-SPAN|1000860}}
*{{MPLinksUK | parliament = damian-green/25546 | hansard = mr-damain-green | hansardcurr = 3546 | guardian = 2048/damian-green | publicwhip = Damian_Green | theywork = damian_green | record = Damian-Green/Ashford/222 | bbc = 25546.stm | journalisted = damian-green }}
*{{Worldcat id|lccn-no91-18384}}
*
* , '']'', 30 March 2006
* – ] meets Damian Green, 4 February 2002


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Latest revision as of 11:27, 5 January 2025

British politician (born 1956)

The Right HonourableDamian GreenPC
Official portrait, 2020
First Secretary of State
In office
11 June 2017 – 20 December 2017
Prime MinisterTheresa May
Preceded byGeorge Osborne
Succeeded byDominic Raab
Minister for the Cabinet Office
In office
11 June 2017 – 20 December 2017
Prime MinisterTheresa May
Preceded byBen Gummer
Succeeded byDavid Lidington
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
In office
14 July 2016 – 11 June 2017
Prime MinisterTheresa May
Preceded byStephen Crabb
Succeeded byDavid Gauke
Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice
In office
4 September 2012 – 14 July 2014
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byNick Herbert
Succeeded byMike Penning
Minister of State for Immigration
In office
13 May 2010 – 4 September 2012
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byPhil Woolas
Succeeded byMark Harper
Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Acting
25 April 2023 – 17 May 2023
Preceded byJulian Knight
Succeeded byCaroline Dinenage
Acting
10 January 2023 – 31 March 2023
Preceded byJulian Knight
Succeeded byJulian Knight
Chair of the One Nation Conservatives Caucus
In office
24 July 2019 – 30 May 2024
LeaderBoris Johnson
Liz Truss
Rishi Sunak
Preceded byNicky Morgan &
Amber Rudd
Member of Parliament
for Ashford
In office
1 May 1997 – 30 May 2024
Preceded byKeith Speed
Succeeded bySojan Joseph
Shadow Cabinet portfolios
2001–2003Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills
2003–2004Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Personal details
BornDamian Howard Green
(1956-01-17) 17 January 1956 (age 68)
Barry, Wales
Political partyConservative
SpouseAlicia Collinson
Children2
Alma materBalliol College, Oxford
Signature
WebsiteOfficial website
a. Office vacant from 13 July 2016 to 11 June 2017.
b. Office vacant from 20 December 2017 to 24 July 2019.
Green at a meeting of Policy Exchange in 2013

Damian Howard Green PC (born 17 January 1956) is a British politician who served as First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office from June to December 2017 in the second May government. A member of the Conservative Party, he served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashford from 1997 to 2024.

Green was born in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, in Wales and studied philosophy, politics and economics at Balliol College, Oxford. He is married to the barrister Alicia Collinson who was a contemporary of Theresa May at St Hugh's College, Oxford.

After working as a journalist for the BBC, Channel 4 and The Times, he entered parliament at the 1997 general election by winning the seat of Ashford in Kent.

Green served in several shadow ministerial positions, including Shadow Transport Secretary and Shadow Education and Skills Secretary. He came to national prominence in November 2008 after being arrested and having his parliamentary office raided by police, although no case was brought. He served in the Cameron–Clegg coalition until July 2014, first as Minister of State for Immigration and then as Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice.

Green was appointed as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Prime Minister Theresa May in July 2016. Following the 2017 general election, he was promoted to First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office. After the results of an inquiry into allegations that he sexually harassed a woman and viewed pornography on a work computer were published, it was found that he had breached the ministerial code and he was instructed to resign from the cabinet amidst the 2017 Westminster sexual misconduct allegations. He became chair of the One Nation Conservatives caucus following the formation of Boris Johnson's government in July 2019. In January 2023, he became acting chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee after Julian Knight temporarily stood aside, and again in April 2023 after Knight resigned.

At the 2024 general election, Green lost the Ashford constituency to Sojan Joseph of the Labour Party amidst a strong nationwide swing from the Conservatives. This represented the first time since 1929 that the seat had returned a non-Conservative MP.

Early life and education

Damian Green was born in Barry, Glamorgan, Wales. He grew up in Reading and was educated at Reading School.

Green studied philosophy, politics and economics at Balliol College, Oxford. He was president of the Oxford Union in 1977 and was the vice-chairman of the Federation of Conservative Students (now known as Conservative Future) from 1980 until 1982.

During his time at Oxford, Green broke a wrist after a group of fellow students ambushed him and threw him into the River Cherwell. Reportedly the group included Dominic Grieve, who was later to serve alongside Green as a cabinet minister.

Early career

In 1978, Green was appointed by BBC Radio as a financial journalist, before joining Channel 4 News as a business producer in 1982. He joined The Times for a year in 1984 as the business news editor before returning to television journalism and Channel 4 as the business editor in 1985. He became the City editor and presenter on Channel 4's Business Daily television programme in 1987 until he left television to join Prime Minister John Major's Policy Unit in 1992. Green had acted as an occasional speechwriter for Major since 1988. He left 10 Downing Street in 1994 to run his own consultancy in public affairs.

Political career

Green stood unsuccessfully for election in Brent East at the 1992 general election, where he came second with 36.6% of the vote behind the incumbent Labour MP Ken Livingstone.

At the 1997 general election, Green was elected as MP for Ashford, winning with 41.4% of the vote and a majority of 5,345. He made his maiden speech on 20 May 1997. He was re-elected as MP for Ashford at the 2001 general election with an increased vote share of 47.4% and an increased majority of 7,359. At the 2005 general election, Green was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 51.6% and an increased majority of 13,298. At the 2010 general election, Green was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 54.1% and an increased majority of 17,297.

Green is an advocate of allowing illegal immigrants to return to the UK sooner. He has supported voluntary return for overstayers and other migrants in order to avoid deportation, claiming "we expect those with no right to be in the country to leave voluntarily". In 2011, in his role as Immigration Minister, he relaxed a five-year re-entry ban to two years He has stated that the illegal immigrants being in the UK for a "shorter period of time" was a positive and "saves money", although children kept being detained.

At the 2015 general election, Green was again re-elected, with a decreased vote share of 52.5% and an increased majority of 19,296.

Green was opposed to Brexit prior to the 2016 EU membership referendum.

Green is chairman of Parliamentary Mainstream, a vice-president of the Tory Reform Group and is a vice-chairman of the John Smith Memorial Trust.

At the snap 2017 general election, Green was again re-elected, with an increased vote share of 59% and a decreased majority of 17,478. He was again re-elected at the 2019 general election, with an increased vote share of 62.1% and an increased majority of 24,029.

Shadow ministerial career

While a backbencher, he was a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee from 1997 until his appointment to the frontbench by William Hague in 1998 as a spokesman on education and employment. He spoke on the environment from 1999 and was promoted to the shadow cabinet by Iain Duncan Smith in 2001 as the Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

In 2003, Michael Howard gave him the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. In September 2004, he left the frontbench altogether of his own accord and joined the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Following the 2005 general election, Green returned to the shadow frontbench under the leadership of David Cameron as a spokesman on home affairs and shadow minister for immigration.

Whilst sitting as an MP he was a non-executive director of Mid Kent Water from 2005 to 2007, and of its successor company South East Water until 2010. Between July 2009 and February 2010, Green was paid £16,666.64 for 112 hours by South East Water for "attending meetings and offering advice" according to the House of Commons Record of Members Interests.

Police Minister

As Police Minister in the coalition government, Green called for increased partnerships between the police and the private sector.

Theresa May ministry

Green was appointed as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Theresa May in July 2016.

He was appointed as First Secretary of State on 11 June 2017 following the 2017 general election, effectively making him May's deputy. He was also promoted to Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Candidacy for the 2024 election

With the 2023 boundary review foreshadowing substantial changes to the Ashford constituency, Green sought selection for the new seat of Weald of Kent. On 19 February 2023 he announced on Twitter that he had been unsuccessful. On 28 February he announced that he would seek selection for the revised seat of Ashford. Green's selection for Ashford was confirmed on 31 March 2023.

Green came second in the Ashford constituency at the 2024 UK general election.

Controversies

2008 arrest

Green was arrested by the Metropolitan Police at his constituency home on 27 November 2008 on suspicion of "aiding and abetting misconduct in public office" and "conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office". The documents were reported to include information politically embarrassing to the then-Labour government. He was later released on bail. In a statement to parliament on 3 December, Michael Martin, Speaker of the House of Commons, responsible for the security of the Palace of Westminster, stated that although the police undertaking the search had neither presented a search warrant nor given "the requisite advice that such a warrant was necessary", the search of the Parliamentary office had been undertaken with the express written consent of the Serjeant-at-Arms, Jill Pay, who had signed a consent form without consulting the Clerk of the House.

The arrest led to speculation about the apparent coincidence that it was authorised on the last day in office of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair. It was criticised by political figures and journalists. It was reported in The Andrew Marr Show that he believed he was the subject of a bugging operation, which would have required the authorisation of the Home Secretary. Jacqui Smith stated that she had not granted any such order. Green's constituency agent subsequently confirmed that a search of Green's property and car had been commissioned, but that no listening devices were discovered.

A junior Home Office civil servant, Christopher Galley, subsequently admitted leaking four "embarrassing" documents to Green and was sacked. On 16 April 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that it was not going to bring a case against either Green or Galley as there was "insufficient evidence".

Expenses claims

During the UK parliamentary expenses scandal The Daily Telegraph newspaper revealed that, although Green's constituency is a 45-minute commute from Westminster, he claimed expenses for a designated second home in Acton, west London. Green has regularly claimed expenses up to the maximum of £400 for food. He has also claimed for the interest on his mortgage, for his council tax, and for his phone bills.

Sexual harassment and pornography allegations

See also: Weinstein effect

During the 2017 Westminster sexual scandals revelations, a Cabinet Office inquiry was started into allegations Green sent suggestive text messages and "fleetingly" touched the knee of a young Conservative activist. He disputes this, stating it's "absolutely and completely untrue that I’ve ever made any sexual advances on Ms Maltby". Both Baroness Kennedy and journalist Rosamund Urwin stated that Maltby had made the claims to them over a year before making them public. Urwin published Facebook messages and time stamps, showing that Maltby had complained to her, and detailed her earlier experience with Green, within four minutes of receiving what she reported as an “inappropriate” text message from Green in 2016.

During this investigation, allegations emerged that pornography had been found on Green's work computer when he was arrested over leaks in 2008. He said this was a "political smear". The police detective computer forensics expert who examined the computer when Green was arrested rebutted this in early December 2017, stating: "The computer was in Mr Green’s office, on his desk, logged in, his account, his name ... it was ridiculous to suggest anybody else could have done it". In December 2017 the police expert was being investigated by Scotland Yard for keeping copies of confidential material, unrelated to the case he was working on, and then releasing it to the public. Green denied that he downloaded or looked at such images. Green said that the claims made by the retired Bob Quick were "political smears". Metropolitan Police Commissioner Paul Stephenson confirmed that he was informed about the matter at the time but regarded it as a "side issue".

On 20 December 2017, Green was removed from his position as First Secretary of State; it was found that he had lied to colleagues over pornography found on his computer. The report concluded that Green's conduct as a minister had "generally been both professional and proper", but that regarding the allegations by Maltby, although the private nature of their meetings meant that it was "not possible to reach a definitive conclusion" regarding his behaviour towards her, the report found her account to be "plausible". In his resignation letter, Green said that he deeply regretted the distress to Maltby that the reaction to her article about him had caused, and although maintaining that he did not recognise the events described in it, he "clearly made her feel uncomfortable" and apologised for doing so. Theresa May had asked him to resign and accepted his resignation. She stated she had "greatly appreciated" his hard work and contribution to her team and that it was "right" that he had apologised to Maltby.

A few days later, Green faced calls to stand down as an MP, following the disclosure of a "dirty tricks" campaign which appeared to target his accuser. It emerged that text messages passed to the Mail on Sunday, allegedly sent between Maltby and Green before she made her complaint, had been edited and rewritten in order to inaccurately suggest that Maltby, rather than Green, had encouraged a continued close relationship and solicited a meeting between the two. After contacting Maltby prior to publication, the Mail on Sunday corrected one series of messages and the newspaper later issued a further post-publication correction acknowledging that it had published a second forged message and falsely attributed it to her. The faked message and subsequent article falsely accused of her of having flirtatiously texted Green that she regretted his absence from his party, because in his stead one of his aides had "been smooching the room on your behalf x".

The Conservative MP Anna Soubry, previously an ally of Green, told the Sunday Times that attempts to smear Maltby were "wrong and shameful". Another Conservative MP said: "It appears that Green's allies barely paused for breath after he apologised for the distress caused to Kate Maltby before launching an attack. It smacks of a dirty tricks campaign and is unhelpful to the government when it is still dealing with the fallout of the Westminster harassment scandal." Maltby and her supporters had accused Green of also being behind a negative, anonymously-briefed attack on her written by the Daily Mail journalist Andrew Pierce. Her parents, in a statement, responded angrily to claims made by Pierce that they disapproved of her actions and condemned "the attempted campaign in certain sections of the media to denigrate and intimidate her and other witnesses".

Writing in the Sunday Times, Maltby alleged that the Daily Mail attack had been coordinated by Green's team and formed part of a broader strategy of witness intimidation. Maltby alleged that two other women had intended to make allegations against Green, but "as a result" of the Daily Mail' coverage of her own complaint, "immediately backed out". In May 2018, the Daily Mail paid £11,000 towards Maltby's legal costs after she prepared to go to court regarding Pierce's article. The article was removed from the Mail's website without an admission of fault.

Publications

  • ITN Budget Factbook, 1984, ITN
  • ITN Budget Factbook, 1985, ITN
  • ITN Budget Factbook, 1986, ITN
  • Better BBC: Public Service Broadcasting in the '90s, 1990, Centre for Policy Studies ISBN 1-870265-77-7
  • Freedom of the Airwaves, 1990, CPC ISBN 0-85070-806-0
  • Communities in the Countryside, 1995. ISBN 1-874097-11-9
  • The Cross Media Revolution: Ownership and Control, Edited by Damian Green, 1995, University of Luton Press ISBN 0-86196-545-0
  • Regulating the Media in the Digital Age, 1997, European Media Forum
  • 21st Century Conservatism, 1998
  • The Four Failures of the New Deal, 1998, Centre for Policy Studies ISBN 1-897969-84-8

Notes

  1. Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee until April 2023.

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External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded byKeith Speed Member of Parliament
for Ashford

19972024
Succeeded bySojan Joseph
Political offices
Preceded byTheresa Mayas Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills
2001–2003
Succeeded byTim Yeo
Preceded byTim Collins Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
2003–2004
Succeeded byTim Yeoas Shadow Secretary of State for Environment and Transport
Preceded byPhil Woolasas Minister of State for Borders and Immigration Minister of State for Immigration
2010–2012
Succeeded byMark Harper
Preceded byNick Herbert Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice
2012–2014
Succeeded byMike Penning
Preceded byStephen Crabb Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
2016–2017
Succeeded byDavid Gauke
VacantTitle last held byGeorge Osborne First Secretary of State
2017
VacantTitle next held byDominic Raab
Preceded byBen Gummer Minister for the Cabinet Office
2017
Succeeded byDavid Lidington
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