Sunak ‘regrets’ his Williamson decision
RISHI Sunak conceded that he “regrets” bringing Gavin Williamson back into the Cabinet as he faces pressure in the wake of his ally’s resignation over bullying allegations.
The Prime Minister insisted on Wednesday he was unaware of “any of the specific concerns” relating to Sir Gavin’s tenure as defence secretary and chief whip.
But his limited denial effectively conceded he was aware of a complaint by former chief whip, Wendy Morton, who received expletive-laden texts from Sir Gavin while he was a backbench MP.
Williamson, who had already been twice sacked from the Cabinet, resigned as minister without portfolio on Tuesday after allegations piled up. A civil servant, then in the Ministry of Defence, alleged Sir Gavin told him to “slit your throat” before a Tory colleague alleged “unethical and immoral” behaviour while chief whip.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used Prime Minister’s Questions to pressure Mr Sunak over how the allegedly bullied official
felt at hearing him welcome the resignation “with great sadness”.
Mr Sunak responded: “Unequivocally the behaviour complained of was unacceptable and it’s absolutely right that the right honourable gentleman has resigned.
“For the record I did not know about any of the specific concerns relating to his conduct as secretary of state or chief whip that date back some years.
“I believe that people in public life should treat others with consideration and respect and those are the principles that this Government will stand by.”
Mr Sunak’s denial was limited to the allegations not centring on Ms Morton’s complaint, which relates to Sir Gavin’s time as a backbench MP.
The Prime Minister added: “I obviously regret appointing someone who has had to resign in the circumstances.
“But I think what the British people would like to know is that when situations like this arise, that they will be dealt with properly.
“And that’s why it is absolutely right that he resigned and that there is an investigation to look into these matters properly.”
Sir Keir argued that Sir Gavin’s reputation as a “pathetic bully” was “precisely why the Prime Minister gave him a job”.
“What message does he think it sends when, rather than take on the bullies, he lines up alongside and thanks them for their loyalty?” the Labour leader said.
Ahead of PMQS, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan insisted Mr Sunak knew only about a “disagreement” between Sir Gavin and Ms Morton when handing him a role in the Cabinet Office.