Dominic Raab asks Rishi Sunak to launch probe into misconduct claims

Dominic Raab on Wednesday referred to as on Rishi Sunak to fee an unbiased investigation into his alleged misconduct, because the deputy prime minister confirmed that he remained “dedicated” to serving in authorities.

Raab, who final month returned to his submit as justice secretary, has confronted a stream of allegations relating to his private conduct. Current reviews in The Guardian newspaper have alleged that he created a “tradition of concern” and displayed “aggressive behaviour” throughout a earlier stint as justice secretary between September 2021 and September 2022.

It has additionally been reported that Raab, whereas serving as international secretary between July 2019 and September 2021, was warned about alleged bullying behaviour by Lord Simon McDonald, then everlasting secretary on the International Workplace.

McDonald this week informed LBC that it was “believable” that Raab had engaged in bullying behaviour, describing him as a “robust boss”.

In a letter to the prime minister, Raab mentioned he had been made conscious that two separate formal complaints regarding his two earlier ministerial phrases had been made in opposition to him.

In consequence, he referred to as on Sunak to fee an unbiased investigation into the claims as quickly as doable, writing that he would “co-operate totally and respect no matter consequence you determine”. 

“I’ve all the time sought to set excessive requirements and forge groups that may ship for the British folks amidst the acute challenges that now we have confronted in recent times,” Raab added. “I’ve by no means tolerated bullying, and all the time sought to bolster and empower the groups of civil servants working in my respective departments.”

Writing in response, Sunak mentioned he recognised that Raab was “eager to deal with the complaints”, including that “integrity, professionalism and accountability” remained “core [government] values”.

Talking within the Home of Commons throughout prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, Raab mentioned he was assured that he had behaved “professionally”. He informed MPs: “I’ll take it as an article of non-public religion that we behave with absolute integrity and accountability.”

The claims regarding Raab have raised additional questions for Sunak after he pledged to guide a authorities primarily based on “integrity, professionalism and accountability” — a push to interrupt with the scandals of his predecessor Boris Johnson.

However his efforts have been hit in latest weeks by the pressured resignation of Sir Gavin Williamson, former minister with out portfolio, who was accused of bullying a Tory colleague and civil servants, and criticism of house secretary Suella Braverman, who admitted that she had despatched official paperwork to a private e-mail tackle.

Williamson now faces a casual investigation by Downing Avenue and a proper an inquiry by parliament’s Unbiased Complaints and Grievance Scheme into allegations of misconduct.

Talking on the G20 summit in Indonesia, Sunak harassed that he was not conscious of any allegations previous to reappointing Raab, however urged people to “come ahead” and voice their considerations by way of a proper criticism course of.

“I don’t recognise that characterisation of Dominic and I’m not conscious of any formal complaints about him,” he informed the BBC. “In fact there are established procedures for civil servants in the event that they wish to carry to gentle any points.”

Opposition events questioned the integrity of any government-led probe.

Daisy Cooper, deputy chief of the Liberal Democrats, accused Sunak and Raab of “treating the British public like fools”. She added: “This should not be a whitewashed report. A brand new unbiased ethics adviser have to be appointed by Rishi Sunak and given this as their first process.”