UK deputy PM Dominic Raab resigns following probe into bullying allegations

British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has resigned following the findings of an independent probe into the bullying allegations. The probe confirmed that Raab bullied officials.

Friday last week, Raab resigned from the government following the results of an independent investigation into the bullying allegations made against him. The five-month probe, led by lawyer Adam Tolley heard evidence from government officials about complaints of bullying by Raab during his time in three departments. The report found that Raab had gone beyond providing critical feedback and insulted the work done by officials at the British justice ministry and that Raab was abrasive but not purposely abusive.

The report also found that while Raab did not swear or shout at colleagues, Raab has given very harsh criticism of work by civil servants. Raab had described one work as “utterly useless” and “woeful.”

Raab requested the investigation to be made in November following formal complaints that were lodged about his behavior. In his resignation, Raab apologized for causing unintended stress or offense but said the report by Tolley “set a dangerous precedent” for effective government with a low threshold for what amounted to bullying. Despite criticizing the report, Raab upheld his pledge to resign should the allegations be confirmed.

Raab is the third senior minister to leave Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government over their personal conduct in a span of six months. This marks a blow to Sunak, who sought to shore up support for the governing Conservative Party ahead of the 2024 elections and promised to lead a government with integrity at all levels since taking office in October last year.

On the same day, Sunak appointed Oliver Dowden to replace Raab as the deputy prime minister. While the role has no formal powers but will step in when the prime minister is away from parliament or incapacitated. Prior to his appointment, Dowden served as a cabinet office minister and a former chairman of the Conservative Party. Dowden resigned from the position in June last year following two election losses.

Aside from Dowden, lawmaker Alex Chalk was appointed to become the new justice minister, also replacing Raab.