Dominic Raab has resigned from his post as lord chancellor after a damning report into allegations of bullying.

Raab was appointed last October, combining the job with his role as deputy prime minister, but stood down today in response to the findings of an investigation led by Adam Tolley KC. 

In a statement, Raab said he was ‘duty bound’ to accept the outcome of the inquiry and pointed out that all but two of the claims against him were not upheld.

The Esher & Walton MP stated that the two adverse findings were ‘flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government’. He warned this would encourage ‘spurious complaints’ against ministers and have a ‘chilling effect’ on those driving change on behalf of your government’.

He said: ‘Ministers must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people, otherwise the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility will be lost.’

He added: ‘Ministers must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials, in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us.

‘Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds. 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.’

Dominic Raab

Raab had been in post since October but stepped down today

Source: Mark Thomas/Shutterstock

His departure means that prime minister Rishi Sunak must choose the ninth lord chancellor in seven years (Raab filled the position twice) as the seemingly never-ending merry-go-round of appointees continues.

Raab had little time to stamp his mark on the justice brief but did introduce the Victims and Prisoners Bill in March and has continued to push for a UK Bill of Rights.

Update: Barrister Alex Chalk, previously defence minister has been named as the new lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice. 

 

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