THE INCINERATOR

Insiders: Tough Raab ‘burning through staff’

CABINET minister Dominic Raab has been nicknamed “The Incinerator” because he “burns through” staff so quickly.

Officials working for the Deputy Prime Minister have accused him of creating a “climate of fear” in the Ministry of Justice.

The claims emerged days after Sir Gavin Williamson quit the Cabinet following allegations that he had bullied staff. He has now vowed to clear his name.

Mr Raab was ousted from the Justice department when Liz Truss became PM in September but returned as Justice Secretary just seven weeks later when Rishi Sunak entered No10.

A Government source told the Mirror: “He is known as The Incinerator as he burns through officials. The mood is grim in his office. People are desperate to escape the climate of fear as quickly as they can.”

Around half of the staff working in Mr Raab’s private office are understood to have asked to move when it was announced he was returning. Ministry sources confirmed Antonia Romeo, its permanent secretary, had spoken to Mr Raab about his treatment of staff.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the claims “must be investigated immediately by the Cabinet Office”. She added: “These reports cannot be brushed under the carpet.” Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “Rishi Sunak claimed zero tolerance for bullying, promised a government of integrity and pledged to appoint an ethics adviser.

“He is not just failing to stop the rot, he is letting it fester.”

A source close to Mr Raab insisted there had not been a “high turnover of staff ”, adding: “His private office are very good and dedicated.”

The Ministry said: “There is zero tolerance for bullying across the civil service.”

In his first speech as PM, Mr Sunak pledged: “This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.”

It is understood no formal complaints have been made against Mr Raab.

It’s grim.. people are desperate to escape the climate of fear GOVERNMENT SOURCE ON THE RETURN OF RAAB

PROBE CALL Dominic Raab was re-appointed by Mr Sunak

CONTROVERSY Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet