The Deputy Prime Minister announced his decision on Friday.
(Photo: Reuters)
London When Rishi Sunak moved into 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister at the end of October 2022, he promised “integrity, professionalism or accountability”. This promise is now catching up with the British Prime Minister, after Dominic Raab, his deputy, has become the third member of the Sunak team to resign within six months.
The UK Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice resigned on Friday morning after an inquiry found at least two counts of bullying against his staff. In November 2022, Cabinet Secretary Gavin Williamson was also forced to leave following allegations of “bullying”. This was followed in February by the ouster of Nadhim Zahawi, who held cabinet rank as Conservative Party leader and stumbled over a tax affair.
“Rishi Sunak was personally warned about Dominic Raab’s conduct but has shown appalling judgment in his decision to appoint him,” Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, attacked the PM head on. He didn’t deliver the integrity he promised.
Sunak apparently no longer wanted to support his close confidante and party friend: Raab had rightly committed to resigning if the report found any kind of bullying, the head of government said. “You kept your word,” Sunak wrote to Raab, while acknowledging that “there were flaws in the historical process” that everyone should learn from.
Raab is a close ally of Sunak and made a significant contribution to Sunak becoming the new party and government leader after Liz Truss resigned last autumn.
Investigation accuses Raab of abuse of power
The 48-page investigative report said Raab’s conduct amounted to “abuse of power in a manner that undermines or humiliates.” The minister must have “been aware of this effect”.
The deputy prime minister came under enormous pressure in November 2022 after top government officials accused him of unacceptable treatment of employees. With his “aggressive leadership behavior” Raab created a “culture of fear” in his environment.
The minister denies all “bullying allegations” and sharply criticized the findings of the investigation: “By setting the threshold for bullying so low, this investigation has set a dangerous precedent,” wrote Raab.
The resignation comes at the worst possible time for Sunak and his Conservative Party. In less than two weeks there will be local elections in England, which are considered an important mood test for the general elections in the coming year. Pollsters predict the Tories will lose up to 1,000 seats.
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