During his previous tenures as a cabinet minister, Dominic Raab has been the subject of two formal complaints concerning his conduct.
Rishi Sunak has agreed to the deputy prime minister and justice secretary’s request for an independent investigation into the complaints.
Mr. Raab has denied numerous newspaper allegations that he bullied officials in previous positions.
He added that he would “fully cooperate” with any investigation into his conduct.
In a letter to Mr. Sunak, Mr. Raab explained that the allegations pertained to his time as justice secretary and foreign secretary during the administration of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He added that he had “never tolerated bullying” and had “always sought to strengthen and empower” government employees.
Mr. Raab’s letter arrived before Prime Minister’s Questions, where he stood in for Mr. Sunak, who is in Indonesia for the G20 summit.
Mr. Raab told members of parliament that he believed the complaints against him were filed on Tuesday and that he was notified the following day.
He added, “I am confident that I have always acted professionally.”
“I will thoroughly refute any claims that have been made,” he continued.
Mr. Sunak informed reporters Tuesday morning (UK time) that he was unaware of any formal complaints lodged against his deputy prime minister.
In a letter of response to Mr. Raab, Mr. Sunak stated, “I am aware that you are eager to address the complaints lodged against you, and I concur that proceeding in this manner is the best course of action.”
However, he provided no information regarding when or who would conduct the investigation.
Such an investigation would typically fall under the purview of the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial conduct.
This position, however, has been vacant since the previous occupant, Lord Geidt, resigned in June after admitting that Mr. Johnson may have violated ministerial rules about Partygate.
Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour Party, asked Mr. Raab during PMQs when a replacement would be appointed. Mr. Raab responded that a rapid recruitment process was underway.
Former prime minister Liz Truss dismissed Mr. Raab from his positions as justice secretary and deputy prime minister upon assuming power in September.
The Member of Parliament for Esher and Walton was reappointed to both positions by Mr. Sunak after he was elected Conservative leader by the party’s MPs.
Tuesday, a former Foreign Office civil servant stated that colleagues were “terrified” to enter Mr. Raab’s office when he was foreign secretary.
Lord McDonald disclosed to Times Radio Mr. Raab was “extremely abrupt with others,” and “people felt degraded.”
The peer stated that he had “multiple conversations” with Mr. Raab about his conduct, but was unaware of any formal complaints.
