The proposed memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens

THE lead architect on the Holocaust memorial project has been dropped by the government after a newspaper’s claims about his behaviour towards female staff.

Sir David Adjaye has been removed “until the issues raised have been addressed”, the government said.

But officials said the swift reaction to an investigation by the Financial Times would not cause extra delays to the project, which has already been through a series of applications and appeals, and has led to an attempt by MPs to amend the law to allow its proposed construction in Victoria Tower Gardens.

Sir David has denied any sexual misconduct at his firm, Adjaye Associates, after three former staff made claims of abuse. He said he had “entirely consensual” relationships with members of staff but admitted these blurred professional boundaries and said he would be “immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes”.

His firm is designing an entrance pavilion, learning centre and café for the memorial, but a Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegations and have spoken with Adjaye Associates.

“They have confirmed that Sir David will not be involved in the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the issues raised have been addressed.”

Lord Eric Pickles, told The Jewish Chronicle work on the memorial would not be impacted. The government introduced legislation earlier this year aimed at allowing works in the park close to parliament which has previously been protected by a 1900 statute demanding all areas stay open to the public.

Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said: “This memorial will rightly sit at the heart of Westminster, alongside other great symbols of our democracy and will act as an inspiration to the whole nation for generations to come.”

Holocaust Educational Trust CEO Karen Pollock said: “Time is of the essence and survivors of the Holocaust are becoming fewer and frailer, our hope is for the memorial to be completed in time for them to see.”

Residents raised concerns about the scale of the design and its location. Westminster Council rejected the first application but the government launched a public inquiry and announced it would press ahead.

A High Court battle followed as disagreements continued over where it should be sited.