The civil servant at the centre of the Whitehall leak inquiry has been sacked.

Christopher Galley, a junior official in the Home Office, lost his job following a disciplinary hearing.

Mr Galley, from Feltham, and Tory immigration spokesman Damian Green were arrested by police investigating leaks from the department but were told last week they would not face charges.

The 26-year-old was suspended on full pay after his arrest in November but disciplinary proceedings were put on hold while the criminal investigation was concluded.

He admitted leaking four documents, which inclided memos about where illegal immigrants were working an a draft letter from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith about the fear that the recession could lead to a rise in violent crime.

He said he had leaked the documents because he felt he had to expose inadequacies in the department.

After he learned he would not face charges, Mr Galley said: “I felt relieved when I found out I wasn’t going to be charged.

“But it has been worth it. Yes, I would do it again.”