Bullying of Dominic Raab: Five more formal complaints against the Deputy Prime Minister

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Downing Street has confirmed that five further formal complaints have been lodged against Dominic Raab over his conduct at work.

A total of eight complaints have now been filed against the deputy prime minister after allegations that he intimidated colleagues and left officials too afraid to enter his office.

The final five relate to alleged conduct at the Department of Justice, which Raab has run since September 2021.

Labor deputy leader Angela Reiner has called on Rishi Sunak to explain why his deputy has not been suspended while an inquiry into his conduct takes place, describing the prime minister as “weak” for failing to act against his close ally.

Ms. Rainer also called on the government to take action to ensure a safe working environment for employees.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister’s official spokesperson told reporters: “I can confirm that the prime minister has now asked the investigator to include five more formal complaints of conduct at the Ministry of Justice as part of the ongoing investigation and in line with the existing terms of reference.”

In November, Downing Street confirmed that it would open an investigation into Rapp’s alleged behaviour, following media reports of his behaviour.

It initially covered two incidents, but was expanded to three later in the same week it was launched.

Number 10 said the five new incidents took place during Raab’s first term as justice secretary from September 2021 to September 2022. He was briefly replaced in the role by Liz Truss but was reappointed by Mr Sunak.

The lawyer heading the investigation into the deputy prime minister’s conduct will report to Mr Sunak, who will make the final judgment on whether his political ally has breached the ministerial law, which he oversees.

Mr Raab insisted he “conducted professionally at all times”.

Speaking later on Wednesday, Mr Raab told the Joint Commission on Human Rights: “I have been clear about the allegations made in relation to myself. I believe I have acted professionally throughout.

“But, of course, I welcome, in fact, that I have called for an independent investigation so that I can deal with them transparently, and not through the gossip that leaked to the media anonymously.”

But Labor’s Rainer said: “It is another sign of how weak Rishi Sunak is as prime minister that despite knowing of Dominic Raab’s reputation he has appointed him as his deputy.

The prime minister must now say why he was not suspended even as a result of the official investigation, and make it clear that any breach of ministerial law will result in his immediate dismissal.

“The government must also take immediate steps to ensure a safe working environment for its employees.”

A senior Labor spokesperson suggested the prime minister’s unwillingness to act was linked to Mr Raab’s support for his campaign to replace Ms Truss in Downing Street without a Tory membership vote earlier this year.

“We know of the deals that took place in the context of avoiding leadership elections and the political loyalties that the prime minister had to build,” the spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately, this weakness has consequences in terms of his failure to act in what appears to be an appropriate method in this situation.”

The Labor Party spokesperson said he was unable to judge whether Mr Raab should be removed as justice secretary, because he had not had access to details about the complaints against him.

But he was asked if he should be stopped during the investigation, and he replied: “It would be appropriate to take such a measure.”

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “The lack of allegations about Dominic Raab has turned into a flood and his position has become increasingly untenable.

“Rishi Sunak should ask Raab to step down as justice minister while these complaints are investigated, and confirm that he will not be reappointed if they are upheld.

“Anything less would make a mockery of Snack’s claim to govern fairly. It cannot be a rule for Conservative ministers and another for anyone else.”

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