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Today in History: John Profumo admits lie, resigns over scandal

6/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On June 5 1963, Secretary of State for War John Profumo told the House of Commons he had lied about his affair with 19-year-old model Christine Keeler. He then resigned, ending his political career and sparking the Profumo affair, a scandal that crippled Harold Macmillan’s government and helped bring down the Conservatives.

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Story summary

On June 5 1963, Secretary of State for War John Profumo told the House of Commons he had lied about his affair with 19-year-old model Christine Keeler. He then resigned, ending his political career and sparking the Profumo affair, a scandal that crippled Harold Macmillan’s government and helped bring down the Conservatives.