PM’s deputy denies sleaze claims by activist

THERESA May’s deputy was yesterday accused of making inappropriate advances to a Tory activist three decades his junior.

Damian Green, the first secretary of state, was referred to the Cabinet Secretary by Downing Street after it was claimed he sent the woman a text message about how he had admired her in a corset.

Kate Maltby, a critic and academic involved in Conservative politics, revealed the message and described a meeting between them in a bar where they discussed sexual affairs within parliament. The revelations came after Mr Green, 61, was named as being on the Westminster sexual harassment dossier over highly disputed claims he used an adultery website.

Miss Maltby, 31, said he told her ‘his wife was very understanding’ and put a ‘fleeting hand against my knee – so brief, it was almost deniable’. Writing in the Times, she said the encounter with Mr Green left her feeling ‘angry’. Then following the publication of a photograph of her wearing a corset, Mr Green, who was not a minister at the time, texted her. The message read: ‘Long time no see. But having admired you in a corset in my favourite tabloid I feel impelled to ask if you are free for a drink anytime?’

Mr Green said last night: ‘It is absolutely and completely untrue that I’ve ever made any sexual advances on Miss Maltby.’ He said they had known each other since 2014 and had had a drinks as friends twice a year. He added: ‘The text I sent after she appeared in a newspaper article was sent in that spirit – as two friends agreeing to meet for a regular catch up – and nothing more.

‘This untrue allegation has come as a complete shock and is deeply hurtful, especially from someone I considered a personal friend.’

A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister has referred the matter to the Cabinet Secretary to establish the facts and report back as soon as possible.’