Britain's May replaces defence minister in growing harassment scandal

London

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to appoint a new defence minister on Thursday after her loyal ally Michael Fallon quit in a sexual harassment scandal that has prompted calls for an end to the "locker room" culture in parliament.

Just hours after Mr Fallon resigned over past behaviour he said had fallen "below the high standards we require of the armed forces", Mrs May appointed Gavin Williamson, 41, a rising star in her ruling Conservative Party.

Weakened after losing her party's parliamentary majority in a June election, Mrs May had to move swiftly to plug the hole in her divided cabinet. Mr Fallon's departure was another blow for her as she has struggled to hold the cabinet together since the vote, which many Conservati…