Gavin Williamson – latest news: Bullying row grows as minister ‘told civil servant to slit throat’

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Allegations of bullying against Sir Gavin Williamson continue to mount, with reports that he told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat” while he was serving as defense secretary.

Rishi Sunak is under increasing pressure over his decision to give his ally a seat in the cabinet after The Guardian reported fresh incendiary claims about his conduct.

A Ministry of Defense official told the outlet that Sir Gavin made the remarks in front of colleagues in a meeting, and on another occasion told them to “jump out of the window”.

Sir Gavin, who is now Mr Sunak’s Cabinet Office minister, said he “strongly” rejects the allegation and insisted he has “enjoyed good working relationships” with officials.

But the allegations, including that Sir Gavin “deliberately demeaned and intimidated” the civil servant on a regular basis, will only add to the calls from opposition parties for his sacking.

Earlier, the prime minister had expressed “full confidence” in his minister, despite describing expletive-laden messages he sent to former chief whip Wendy Morton as “not acceptable”.

Show latest update 1667883354Conservative Party accused of being in ‘denial’ about Islamophobia within its own ranks

The Conservative Party is facing renewed accusations it is failing to tackle Islamophobia – both in society and within its own ranks.

It comes as recent figures show anti-Muslim hate crimes are on the rise in the UK, and an investigation into alleged Islamophobia by a Tory MP continues.

Read the details in this exclusive from Matt Mathers:

Namita Singh8 November 2022 04:55

1667882454Labour attempt to force Sunak to reveal what he knew about Braverman

Labor will attempt to use a vote in the House of Commons to force Rishi Sunak to reveal what he knew about Suella Braverman’s security lapses when he re-appointed her home secretary.

The prime minister is facing questions about his judgment after he put her in his cabinet just days after she was forced to resign for a breach of the ministerial code.

Since then she has admitted that she sent official government documents her private email on six different occasions.

My colleague Kate Devlin reports:

Namita Singh8 November 2022 04:40

1667881338Gavin Williamson reportedly told civil servant ‘slit your throat’

Sir Gavin Williamson allegedly told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat” in what they claimed was a bullying campaign while he was defense secretary.

Rishi Sunak is under increasing pressure over his decision to bring his ally back into government after The Guardian reported fresh incendiary claims about his conduct.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) official told the outlet Sir Gavin made the remarks in front of colleagues in a meeting, and on another occasion told them to “jump out of the window”.

Read more about the claims against Sir Gavin in this report:

Namita Singh8 November 2022 04:22

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Welcome to The Independent’s UK politics blog for 8 November 2022, where we provide the latest updates from Westminster.

Namita Singh8 November 2022 04:11

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