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21 April 2023

Dominic Raab resigns following publication of bullying report

The Deputy Prime Minister’s departure follows a five-month probe into his behaviour, and more than two dozen complainants.

By Zoë Grünewald

The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has resigned after the long-awaited report by Adam Tolley KC into claims that he bullied several members of staff was submitted to the Prime Minister last night.

Raab has been the subject of a five-month investigation following multiple formal complaints about his behaviour from more than two dozen complainants. Civil servants accused Raab of inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying, belittling and making unreasonable demands. The Deputy Prime Minister has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that he believes he has “behaved professionally at all times”, but that he would respect the outcome of an inquiry into his behaviour.

In Raab’s resignation letter he stated that “whilst it was duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me”. He goes on to say that the findings are “flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government”.

Raab also suggests that the inquiry has set, repeating the phrase, a “dangerous precedent” that will “encourage spurious complaints against ministers”. The full contents of the report have yet to be published.

A Labour source said: “[Raab is the] second cabinet bully allowed to resign – Sunak failed to sack both him [the Deputy Prime Minister] and Williamson. It’s the second bullying scandal under him and the second time he’s failed to act.

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“We’ve had 13 years of Tory PMs trying to dodge the rules and defend their mates. Enough is enough.”

Sunak has yet to comment on the report, and he will be expected to replace the role of justice secretary within the coming days.

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