Tell us if you have concerns about Raab, says Downing St

DOWNING STREET yesterday encouraged officials with concerns about Dominic Raab’s behaviour as a boss to get in touch with the investigator looking into allegations of bullying.

Rishi Sunak was pressed over his handling of claims against Mr Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, during yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons.

Claims about Mr Raab’s conduct are being looked at by Adam Tolley KC but there have been concerns about whether all potential whistleblowers will engage with the process.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Absolutely anyone with concerns should come forward and speak to Adam Tolley. There are established processes by which they can do that.”

Meanwhile, Dave Penman, leader of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, said Mr Raab should be suspended to protect staff while the investigation is conducted. The suggestion was rejected by the No10 spokesman, who said it was important the investigation be allowed to complete its work.

Downing Street pointedly did not deny that Mr Sunak was aware of informal claims about Mr Raab’s behaviour when giving him a Cabinet role. Mr Raab’s press secretary said: “The PM was not aware of any formal complaints at the time of appointing Dominic Raab.” No denial was made about informal complaints. Mr Raab has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer quoted anonymous allegations against Mr Raab from recent press reports and accused Mr Sunak of being “too weak to do anything about it”. Mr Sunak said: “When I was made aware of formal complaints I appointed a leading independent KC to conduct an investigation,

‘Absolutely anyone with concerns should come forward ... there are processes to do that’

because I take action when these things happen.”

Mr Penman issued his call for Mr Raab to be suspended on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said: “If that was any other employee … they would in all likelihood be suspended while the investigation took place

Mr Raab said “no” when asked by Sky News as he left a Downing Street meeting last night whether he was going to resign. His spokesman also rejected press speculation he could resign before the investigation is completed.