"A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false but I accept that in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent," Fallon wrote in a resignation letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.

Fallon, who intends to remain an MP, had apologized this week for putting his hand on the knee of political journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer.

Appearing on television, she said she did not think Fallon's cabinet resignation was based solely on the 2002 incident.

Julia Hartley-Brewer says Michael Fallon once repeatedly put his hand on her knee, but also that the coverage is akin to a witch hunt pic.twitter.com/GlE52ZZGpG

— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 31, 2017

"I'm assuming there are more allegations to come," she told Sky News. "I doubt very much it's because of my knee and if it is I think that's really mad and absurd and crazy."

Fallon did not directly respond when asked by the BBC whether he was worried more stories were about to come out regarding his behavior.

"The culture has changed over the years, what might have been acceptable 15, 10 years ago is clearly not acceptable now," he told the British broadcaster.

May has called for rules on MPs' behaviour to be toughened and has requested a meeting next week with other party leaders, following the emergence of several allegations of sexual harassment at Westminster.

In a letter to Fallon, who was first elected to parliament in 1983, May thanked him for "a long and impressive ministerial career."

"I appreciate the characteristically serious manner in which you have considered your position, and the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others," she wrote.

Popular

To my horror, it’s just a movie!

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Pentagon chief congratulates Prabowo on being elected President