PM backs Raab over bullying accusations
RISHI Sunak has come out in defence of Dominic Raab after the Deputy Prime Minister was accused of rude and demeaning behaviour towards civil servants.
The Prime Minister said he did not “recognise that characterisation” of his deputy and denied knowing about any formal complaints against him.
Mr Sunak is facing further questions over his judgment as allegations of bullying emerged from Mr Raab’s previous stint as Justice Secretary - with staff reportedly offered a “route out” of his department when he was reinstated in October.
The Prime Minister told reporters travelling with him to Indonesia for the G20 summit: “I don’t recognise that characterisation of Dominic and I’m not aware of any formal complaints about him.
“Of course there are established procedures for civil servants if they want to bring to light any issues.
“I’m not aware of any formal complaint about Dominic.”
Mr Raab is expected to stand in for his party leader during prime minister’s questions on Wednesday.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister believed people in public life should treat others with “consideration and respect”.
A No 10 spokeswoman said that, while they were not aware of any formal complaint concerning Mr Raab, there were procedures available to civil servants if they had concerns.
“There are established procedures by which civil servants can raise complaints. These processes allow allegations to be looked at and considered with due process and a fair hearing,” the spokeswoman said.
A survey of 20 people working in Mr Raab’s private office when he was foreign secretary in 2019 showed that 40% reported personal experience of bullying and harassment - though not necessarily by Mr Raab - and 75% witnessed it, ITV reported on Sunday.
Asked about the leaked results, Mr Sunak said: “My understanding is that these surveys are annual and relate to the overall work environment, not to individuals.”
The Guardian previously reported that multiple sources alleged the Cabinet minister created a “culture of fear” in the Ministry of Justice.
The Mirror reported the Justice Secretary had acquired the nickname “The Incinerator” because he “burns through” staff.
The Sun, meanwhile, suggested Mr Raab had once hurled tomatoes from a salad across a room in a fit of anger, a claim a spokesman for the Cabinet minister said was “nonsense”.