Dominic Raab, UK deputy prime minister and secretary of
justice, has resigned from office.
The development follows an independent inquiry and
investigation into eight bullying allegations against him.
During the investigation conducted by Adam Tolley, evidence
was heard from multiple government officials about complaints of bullying at
three different departments.
Raab denied claims he belittled and demeaned his staff and
said he “behaved professionally at all times”.
He had, however, said he would resign if the allegations
were upheld.
In his resignation letter addressed to Rishi Sunak, UK prime
minister, Raab said he decided to step down after an official inquiry found
that some of the claims made against him were justified.
“I am writing to resign from your government, following
receipt of the report arising from the inquiry conducted by Adam Tolley KC. I
called for the inquiry and undertook to resign, if it made any finding of
bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word,” the letter
reads.
“It has been a
privilege to serve you as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord
Chancellor. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a Minister in
a range of roles and departments since 2015, and pay tribute to the many
outstanding civil servants with whom I have worked.
“Whilst I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the
inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me. I also
believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent
for the conduct of good government.
“Mr Tolley concluded that I had not once, in four and a half
years, sworn or shouted at anyone, let alone thrown anything or otherwise
physically intimidated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone. I
am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offence that any officials
felt, as a result of the pace, standards and challenge that I brought to the
Ministry of Justice. That is, however, what the public expect of Ministers
working on their behalf.
“In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry
has set a dangerous precedent. It will encourage spurious complaints against
Ministers, and have a chilling effect on those driving change on behalf of your
government – and ultimately the British people.
“I remain as
supportive of you and this government, as when I first introduced you at your
campaign leadership launch last July. You have proved a great Prime Minister in
very challenging times, and you can count on my support from the backbenches.”
Raab is the third senior minister to leave the government
since Sunak became prime minister.
Gavin Williamson resigned in November 2022 over bullying
allegations, and Nadhim Zahawi, the conservative party chair, was sacked in
January after he was found to have broken the ministerial code over his
openness about his tax affairs.
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