THE Commander of Portland’s namesake naval warship has been sacked after an investigation into claims of an affair with a crew member.

Commander Sarah West was the Commanding Officer of HMS Portland but was sent home last month after she reportedly had an affair with a crew member on board the ship.

Now, following the investigation, Cdr West was removed from the position on the state-of-the-art Type 23 Frigate, though she will remain within the Navy.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We can confirm that Commander Sarah West, Commanding Officer of HMS PORTLAND, has been removed from Command.

“This is an internal matter between the individual and her senior officers and we will not give further details of the removal.

“Commander West will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and she will be reappointed to a post where her skills and experience can be used to best effect.”