Two official bullying complaints filed against deputy prime minister Dominic Raab

Two formal bullying complaints have been filed against Dominic Raab over his behaviour at work, he has confirmed.

The deputy prime minister and justice secretary said he had “written to the Prime Minister to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints that have been made against me”.

He tweeted on Wednesday: “I look forward to addressing these complaints, and continuing to serve as deputy prime minister, justice secretary, and lord chancellor.”

I have written to the Prime Minister to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints that have been made against me. I look forward to addressing these complaints, and continuing to serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary, and Lord Chancellor. pic.twitter.com/3lmJR76e6b
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) November 16, 2022

Rishi Sunak has agreed to Raab’s request, saying that “integrity, professionalism and accountability are core values of this Government”.

It comes after days of questions and allegations about Rabb’s conduct towards junior colleagues.

In his letter to the Sunak, Raab wrote: “When you entered No 10 Downing Street, on October 25, you rightly stated that ‘this Government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level’.

“I am proud to take this as a personal article of faith.

“I have just been notified that two separate complaints have formally been made against me, in parallel, from my time as foreign secretary and my first tenure as justice secretary, which ended in September of this year.

“I am, therefore, writing to request that you commission an independent investigation into the claims as soon as possible. I will co-operate fully and respect whatever outcome you decide.”

Raab said he remains “committed” to “serving this Government with integrity and professionalism”.

He added he welcomed “the opportunity to address any complaints transparently”.

He said had been “blessed to work with a wide range of outstanding civil servants, in particular my brilliant and dedicated private offices”.

“I have always welcomed the mutual challenge that comes with serious policy-making and public service delivery.

“I have always sought to set high standards and forge teams that can deliver for the British people amidst the acute challenges that we have faced in recent years.

“I have never tolerated bullying, and always sought to reinforce and empower the teams of civil servants working in my respective departments.”

On Tuesday, a top civil servant who worked under Raab when he was foreign secretary alleged he was so demeaning and abrasive to junior colleagues that many were “scared” to enter his office

A spokesman for Raab responded: “Dominic has acted with professionalism and integrity in all of his government roles.

“He has an excellent record of driving positive change in multiple government departments by working well with officials.

“He holds everyone, and most of all himself, to the high standards that the British people would expect of their government.”