Leading KC to lead Raab bullying inquiry
A senior lawyer has been appointed by Rishi Sunak to look into complaints of bullying behaviour by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab.
Commercial and employment law specialist Adam Tolley KC will look into the claims made against Mr Raab after two formal complaints were submitted about his conduct.
Downing Street has indicated Mr Tolley's remit could extend to other allegations about Mr Raab after a series of claims related to his time as foreign secretary and his first stint in the Ministry of Justice.
But the terms of reference for his inquiry listed only the two formal complaints made, and Labour said its scope must be expanded to ensure there is "no hint of a whitewash".
Mr Raab, who returned as justice secretary when the Prime Minister took office, requested the independent investigation after the two formal complaints about his actions surfaced.
Mr Tolley was appointed by the Prime Minister and will report to him.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak will not have to act on any findings made by the investigation because as Prime Minister he remains the ultimate arbiter of the Ministerial Code.
The terms of reference require Mr Tolley to "establish the specific facts" surrounding the formal complaints made against Mr Raab at the Ministry of Justice and the Foreign Office.
They specify "the investigation should be completed as swiftly as possible".
Downing Street said the report into Mr Raab will be published in full but would not put a timeframe on the inquiry, saying only it would be detailed "in a timely way".