UK: Deputy PM calls for independent investigation into allegations against him

British deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has called for an independent investigation into the allegations against him. Raab said that two separate complaints were filed against him during his previous tenures.

Raab said on Wednesday that he has requested an independent investigation into two formal complaints that were made about his behavior. Raab said that he received two separate complaints during his time as the foreign minister and as the justice minister. This marks the latest case of alleged bullying that would put pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government.

“I have written to the prime minister to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints that have been made against me,” Raab tweeted. “I look forward to addressing these complaints.”

Raab attached the letter to his tweet, which said that he never tolerated “bullying” and that he always sought to empower the teams in his departments.

Some officials that have worked with Raab have said the now-deputy prime minister was a tough and demanding boss. Others have been cited by local media outlets as saying that Raab was rude, aggressive, and a bully. Raab has denied the accusations.

The new allegations on Raab would add more pressure to Sunak, who used his first remarks as the country’s new prime minister to say that his government would demonstrate “integrity, professionalism, and accountability.” Sunak also defended Raab from the allegations, saying that he did not recognize the allegations that Raab apparently bullied staff. Sunak also said Wednesday that an investigation was the right action to take.

The new allegations against Raab follow the resignation of cabinet minister Gavin Williamson, who stepped down from the government last week over allegations that he bullied colleagues. Williamson’s resignation has raised questions over Sunak’s judgment since taking office, as Sunak has drawn concern over reappointing Suella Braverman as home secretary days after she resigned over breaching ministerial rules.

Williamson said he stepped down in order to “fully comply” with the probe into his conduct. Williamson was under pressure following the surfacing of text messages that were allegedly sent to him by Conservative Party colleague and former chief whip Wendy Morton.