Calls for Raab to step down amid bullying claims and spare No 10 a second firing
DOMINIC RAAB is becoming a “distraction” to government over bullying claims and should step down, two former Cabinet ministers said last night.
Formal complaints about Mr Raab’s behaviour towards civil servants and officials going across several government departments are currently the subject of an inquiry being conducted by Adam Tolley KC.
However, former ministers fear the ongoing investigation into the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary could do further damage to Rishi Sunak’s premiership after the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi last week.
If the allegations – all of which Mr Raab denies – are upheld by Mr Tolley’s report, which could arrive as soon as next month, Mr Sunak would be faced with the prospect of sacking a second senior Cabinet member within weeks.
“It just seems to me to be a repeat of the Nadhim Zahawi situation, where it is inevitable that he will be asked to leave the Government,” one former
Cabinet minister said. “Why prolong the pain? I think it would be right for Dominic to stand down.”
A second added: “If the Prime Minister is to show his commitment to integrity, Dominic Raab should go while the case is being investigated. He is another distraction.”
Mr Raab has been under investigation since November, the latest in a series of high-profile sleaze scandals to hit the Government.
Nigel Mills, the Conservative MP for Amber Valley, said: “If it’s kind of unintentional and he’s in a high-pressure job and he lost his temper once or twice, that probably wouldn’t be bullying.
“If he is a repeated, serious bully I’m not sure that is something you could survive, and I’m not sure it’s something you should survive in a senior role.”
Allies of Mr Raab pointed to his recent achievements at the Ministry of Justice, including a 24/7 support service for victims of rape and engagement with Strasbourg over human rights laws.
Last night, a Downing Street source said: “We are not going to pre-empt the outcome of the findings.”