In the past week, the deputy prime minister has been accused of bullying, including throwing tomatoes and being rude to staff.
Dominic Raab has requested an investigation into himself after two formal complaints were filed against him following days of allegations of bullying.
The deputy prime minister and justice secretary have written a letter to Rishi Sunak requesting an independent investigation into the charges, one of which pertains to his time as foreign secretary and the other to his tenure as justice secretary under Boris Johnson.
He tweeted, “I look forward to resolving these allegations while continuing to serve as deputy prime minister, justice secretary, and Lord Chancellor.”
Mr. Sunak agrees that an investigation should be conducted.
Mr. Raab issued the letter just hours before he met MPs for Prime Minister’s Questions on behalf of Mr. Sunak, who is now attending the G20 conference in Bali.
Mr. Raab has been accused of bullying in the media over the previous week, including throwing tomatoes at staff, being nasty to staff, and being cautioned about his behavior.
He has refuted all allegations.
Clive Betts, a Labour MP, asked Mr. Raab during PMQs if the PM should ensure that no minister whose complaint of bullying is upheld should continue to serve in government.
The deputy prime minister stated: “I am certain that I have always professionally conducted myself, but I was informed this morning of two complaints that were filed, I suppose yesterday.
“I immediately requested that the prime minister launch an impartial investigation. Moreover, I will cooperate fully with the investigation.”
In a letter to Mr. Sunak, the deputy prime minister stated that he had “just been informed that two formal complaints have been filed against me.”
He did not specify the nature and source of the complaints.
However, he demanded a probe into the complaints “immediately” and stated that he will “cooperate fully and respect whatever decision you reach.”
He added: “I’ve always endeavored to set high standards and build teams capable of delivering for the British people despite the severe obstacles we’ve faced in recent years.
“I have never condoned bullying and have always worked to strengthen and empower the teams of public employees in my ministries.”
Mr. Sunak responded to his deputy’s letter by agreeing to address the complaints lodged against him.
“Integrity, professionalism, and accountability are fundamental governmental principles. It is proper that these matters be thoroughly investigated “he said.
After Lord Geidt’s resignation in June, it is unknown who will lead the investigation into Mr. Raab, as there is currently no ethics adviser.
Mr. Sunak’s official spokesman stated yesterday that the prime minister is “committed” to appointing a replacement and that “the process to appoint a new adviser is currently underway.”
Dave Penman, the chairman of the FDA civil servants union, told that claims have been made against numerous other current ministers, but employees are not filing formal complaints because the system does not back them.
Lisa Nandy, who served as Labour’s shadow foreign secretary while Dominic Raab was foreign minister, told that bullying in his office was an “open secret.” A spokesperson for Mr. Raab disputed the charges.
