Dominic Raab’s behaviour to be investigated after complaints he created ‘culture of fear’ – but he vows to fight back
DOMINIC Raab will be probed by an independent investigator over allegations he bullied staff - but he's vowed to fight back against the claims.
The Deputy PM wrote to Rishi Sunak requesting an independent investigation this morning, after reports emerged late last week that he's rude to civil servants and created "culture of fear".
The PM quickly responded: "I know that you will be keen to address the complaints made against you and agree that proceeding in this way is the right course of action."
A Downing Street spokesperson added this afternoon that Mr Sunak still has full confidence in Mr Raab.
Two formal complaints have been filed against the Deputy PM - one from his time as Foreign Secretary and the other from his first stint as Justice Secretary earlier this year.
In his letter to the PM, Mr Raab insisted he's "never tolerated bullying" and always sought to "set high standards".
He wrote: "I have just been notified that two separate complaints have formally been made against me, in parallel, from my time as Foreign Secretary and my first tenure as Justice Secretary.
"I am therefore writing to request that you commission an independent investigation into the claims as soon as possible.
"I will cooperate fully and respect whatever outcome you decide.
"I remain committed to serving this government with integrity and professionalism as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor and welcome the opportunity to address any complaints transparently.”
READ MORE POLITICS
Mr Sunak will appoint an "independent investigator" from outside government "as soon as possible" to probe the claims.
This is because a full time ethics advisor is yet to be appointed by No10 to replace Lord Geidt, who resigned from the job under Boris Johnson.
The PM is currently on a plane back to London form Bali, where he was attending the G20 Leaders' Summit.
At midday Mr Raab took his place at the despatch box for PMQs, stepping in for Mr Sunak.
The Deputy PM faced off with Angela Rayner, who's led the Labour charge against him over bullying complaints.
Mr Raab vowed to fight back against claims he created "culture of fear".
He said: "I'm here and happy to address any specific point she wishes to make.
"I will thoroughly refute any of the claims that be made."
Ms Rayner blasted: "The Prime Minister defends his Deputy whose behaviour has been described as abrasive, controlling and demeaning.
"With junior staff Mr. Speaker too scared to even enter his office, and that's without mentioning the flying tomatoes.
"The Deputy Prime Minister knows his behaviours are unacceptable. So what's he still doing here?"
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Last week it emerged that staff within the Ministry of Justice were offered a "route out" of the department when Mr Raab was reinstated last month.
Mr Raab was also forced to defend himself after insiders claimed he angrily threw tomatoes from a Pret a Manger salad across a meeting room - as he wasn’t pleased with the way he was being briefed.
