- Civil servants reportedly offered a ‘way out’ after Dominic Raab’s return to the MoJ.
- Sources claim he created a ‘culture of fear’ at the Ministry of Justice.
- Labor has called for the allegations to be investigated “urgently and independently”.
Opposition parties want Dominic Raab investigated amid claims he mistreated staff as justice secretary. After his October return, civil servants were reportedly offered a “way out”
Between September 2021 and September 2022, Mr. Raab was “rude” and “aggressive,” according to the article.
His representative stated he “acts professionally constantly.”
Former PM Liz Truss fired Dominic Raab as justice secretary and deputy prime minister, but Rishi Sunak reappointed him after becoming Tory leader.
The Guardian said it had spoken to multiple sources who claimed Mr. Raab had created a “culture of fear” at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and who alleged his behavior with civil servants had been “demeaning” and “very rude and aggressive”.
The article claims 15 members of Mr. Raab’s private office were taken into a room where MoJ officials admitted they may be apprehensive about his return and gave them the option of switching duties.
Antonia Romeo, the MoJ’s most senior civil servant, warned Mr. Raab upon his return that he must handle people properly and with respect.
Concerns have been raised concerning Mr. Raab’s meeting behavior.
The cabinet minister hasn’t received any formal complaints.
Labor has described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and has called for them to be investigated “urgently and independently”.
The party’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must “come clean” about whether he knew about the claims when he reappointed Mr Raab to the MoJ, and said it raised questions about the PM’s judgement.
“Rishi Sunak is already showing he is not just failing to stop the rot but letting it fester.”
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the Tory government did not have “a shred of integrity left”.
“These latest reports are deeply disturbing and must be investigated immediately by the Cabinet Office,” she said.
A source close to the justice secretary did not dispute that personnel had the option of a move upon his return, but denied bullying.
And a spokesman for Mr Raab said: “Dominic has high standards, works hard, and expects a lot from his team as well as himself.
Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, said she had witnessed a “very decent” minister with “high professional standards” when she worked with him when he was foreign secretary.
Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, told the media the justice secretary was “demanding in a good way” and “business-like”, but added “to say he is a bully I just don’t see that”.
There is zero tolerance for bullying throughout the civil service, according to a MoJ spokeswoman.
“The deputy prime minister leads a professional department, driving forward major reforms, where civil servants are valued and the level of ambition is high.”
It follows the resignation this week of cabinet minister Sir Gavin Williamson due to allegations of bullying.
He is charged with abusing a senior civil worker while serving as defence secretary and sending abusive messages to a fellow Tory MP last month.
According to Sir Gavin, he “refuted” the way his behavior had been described.
