Mr. Raab dismissed as “anonymous speculation” suggestions that senior civil workers advised him not to use his phone for government activity.
Despite mounting charges of bullying and intimidation, Dominic Raab has stated he has “always conducted himself professionally.”
Yesterday, a number of the deputy prime minister’s former private secretaries informed that they were drafting formal complaints against his conduct.
Mr. Raab used his email account for government business at two separate departments as recently as 2021, Newsnight was informed.
Mr. Raab, however, stated, “I have always abided by the ministerial code, which includes the use of my iPhone.”
He stated that he has “always safeguarded the confidentiality of any correspondence” he possesses.
When asked if he had been aware that senior employees who worked most closely with him daily had filed complaints, Mr. Raab responded, “I have always conducted myself properly.”
“And I am the one who requested an impartial investigation when the complaint was lodged a few days ago, the first time such a complaint has ever been lodged against me since I became a minister in 2015, as opposed to dealing with anonymous comments in the media.
“I have always adhered to the ministerial code, which includes my iPhone usage.”
When asked how this could not constitute a violation of the ministerial code, the deputy prime minister responded, “It’s pretty clear; I sought counsel on it.” I have faith in that.”
Mr. Raab dismissed as “anonymous speculation” suggestions that senior civil workers advised him not to use his phone for government activity.
He noted that he had “always received counsel” on how to conduct communications and when questioned why he used his phone for some things, he responded that it was “completely appropriate and by our recommendations.”
“I am convinced that I have not violated the ministerial code in any of the ways you allege,” Mr. Raab stated.
Despite the new charges, Downing Street stated earlier today that Rishi Sunak still has full trust in his deputy.
If submitted, the charges by the former private secretaries might be included in the investigation of Mr. Raab that is being conducted in response to two formal complaints of bullying by senior attorney Adam Tolley KC.
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, has demanded that Mr. Tolley’s investigation be “quickly widened.”
Mr. Raab denies all claims of bullying brought against him, but he requested an investigation into his conduct last week.
If the deputy prime minister is discovered to have violated the ministerial code, he may be required to resign.
Why is the deputy prime minister being investigated?
Wendy Chamberlain, chief whip of the Liberal Democrats, has sought an investigation into the use of Mr. Raab’s email account for government business.
“It is only reasonable and proper that the cabinet office investigate these reports and ascertain quickly whether foreign enemies could have viewed national secrets sent by Dominic Raab,” she stated.
However, Downing Street supported Mr. Raab and disputed claims that the probe would be a cover-up, despite Mr. Sunak’s power to contest its findings.
The spokeswoman also defended Mr. Raab’s use of email, telling reporters, “Ministers have access to a variety of communication channels.”
There is no binary restriction on the usage of personal email addresses so long as they adhere to the aforementioned advice.
