This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Sir Michael Fallon was forced to resign as defence secretary partly because he was accused of behaving inappropriately towards his cabinet colleague Andrea Leadsom, it has emerged.

Downing Street refused to comment on reports that the leader of the Commons, who told MPs on Monday that no one who works in parliament should be made to feel “uncomfortable”, had reported Fallon to the prime minister.

She is reported to have objected to lewd remarks he made at a parliamentary meeting six years ago. When Leadsom complained of cold hands, Fallon allegedly replied: “I know somewhere you can put them to warm up.” Allies of the former defence secretary said he “fundamentally denied” making such a comment.

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Leadsom is also said to have complained of unwanted physical contact, including Fallon placing an arm around her.

Speaking to MPs on Monday about the sexual misconduct allegations that have engulfed Westminster in recent days, Leadsom said the key yardstick must be how those on the receiving end were made to feel.

“I have been clear that the issue is around, first, those who are made to feel uncomfortable: I am setting the bar significantly below criminal activity. If people are made to feel uncomfortable, that is not correct.

“In terms of the consequences for the perpetrators, I have also been clear that staff could forfeit their jobs, members of parliament could have the whip withdrawn and ministers could be fired from ministerial office.”

Fallon stepped down on Wednesday night, admitting that his behaviour had sometimes “fallen short” of the high standards expected of the military personnel it was his job to oversee.

Before he stepped down, the only allegation that had been made public was the claim that he had behaved inappropriately to the journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer 15 years ago, repeatedly placing his hand on her knee.

But former cabinet colleagues suggested the incident in 2002 was not an isolated one and the defence secretary’s behaviour towards women could sometimes become inappropriate after he had been drinking alcohol.

Fallon has been replaced by the former chief whip Gavin Williamson, but some senior Tories believe there may need to be further resignations in the coming days if fresh allegations emerge.

Leadsom stood against May for the party leadership, before stepping aside after appearing to suggest being a mother would make her a better prime minister.

The Brexiter is keen to place herself at the forefront of efforts to rid Westminster of its reputation for sexual harassment.