Lord chancellor and justice secretary Dominic Raab has asked the prime minister to launch an independent investigation into his behaviour following allegations that have appeared in the national media. Rishi Sunak has agreed to the probe.
In a letter to Sunak published on Twitter, Raab insists he has ‘never tolerated bullying’, and pays tribute to the ‘wide range of outstanding civil servants’ he has worked with in government.
I have written to the Prime Minister to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints that have been made against me. I look forward to addressing these complaints, and continuing to serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary, and Lord Chancellor. pic.twitter.com/3lmJR76e6b
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) November 16, 2022
Raab, who is also deputy prime minister, writes that he has ‘just been notified’ that two separate complaints had been made against him, one relating to his time as foreign secretary, and the other his first stint as lord chancellor and justice secretary. He denies any wrongdoing.
In the letter Raab says he is ‘writing to request that you commission an independent investigation into the claims as soon as possible’, adding: ‘I will cooperate fully and respect whatever outcome you decide.’
Raab said he would remain in his posts and had ‘always sought to set high standards’, adding: ‘I have never tolerated bullying’.
Responding this morning, Rishi Sunak confirmed an investigation will take place, replying: ‘It is right that these matters are investigated fully.’
How the investigation will proceed remains unclear, however. The PM’s last independent adviser on ministerial standards, Lord Geidt, resigned when Boris Johnson was PM and has not been replaced.
According to the Guardian, the Ministry of Justice complaint was made in spring this year and has been revived in light of recent allegations. A letter of complaint about Raab’s alleged behaviour is reported to have been sent by a group of mid-ranking policy officials to permanent secretary Antonia Romeo.
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