Dominic Raab resigns – latest: Ex-deputy PM attacks ‘activist’ civil servants after bullying report

Dominic Raab has accused “activist” and “passive aggressive” civil servants of trying to block reforms like Brexit in a new interview.

Mr Raab resigned from cabinet this morning after a report upheld two claims of bullying against him and found he was “unreasonably and persistently aggressive” in a meeting while foreign secretary.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Raab charged a small group of “very activist” senior civil servants with pushing back against proposed government reforms because they don’t support them.

The former deputy PM complained that the report into his conduct did not make clear that no complaints lodged by junior officials were upheld.

He told the BBC that two instances where he was found at fault came from a “handful of very senior officials”.

Mr Raab said there was risk that a “very small minority of very activist civil servants” not in favour of the reforms were “effectively trying to block government”.

“That’s not on. That’s not democratic,” he added.

Mr Raab’s departure sparked a mini-reshuffle, with Alex Chalk, a former junior minister for the Ministry of Defence, replacing him as justice secretary, and Oliver Dowden as deputy prime minister.

Key Points

• Meet Sunak’s new deputy PM: Comprehensive kid known as ‘Olive’ who was compared to Tony Blair’s attack dog Alastair Campbell

• Raab attacks ‘activist’ and ‘passive aggressive' civil servants in new interview

• Report finds Raab ‘intimidated’ and ‘humiliated’ civil servants

• Dominic Raab replaced as justice secretary by Alex Chalk

• Dominic Raab hits out at ‘Kafkaesque’ bullying probe

• Sunak joins Raab in condemning bullying probe

• Deputy PM resigns over bullying report

Raab attacks ‘activist’ and ‘passive aggressive' civil servants in new interview

Friday 21 April 2023 17:15 , Emily Atkinson

Dominic Raab has accused “activist” and “passive aggressive” civil servants of trying to block reforms like Brexit in a new BBC interview.

In an interview with the broadcaster’s political editor Chris Mason, Mr Raab charged a small group of “very activist” senior civil servants with pushing back against proposed government reforms because they don’t support them.

The former deputy PM complained that the report into his conduct did not make clear that no complaints lodged by junior officials were upheld.

He told the BBC that two instances where he was found at fault came from a “handful of very senior officials”.

Mr Raab said there was risk that a “very small minority of very activist civil servants” not in favour of the reforms were “effectively trying to block government”.

“That’s not on. That’s not democratic,” he adds.

Raab’s ‘activist’ civil servant comments ‘dangerous’ - union

07:54 , Matt Mathers

The general secretary of a union representing civil servants has said Dominic Raab is setting a "dangerous" precedent by accusing officials involved in his bullying investigation of acting on political grounds, and called on prime minister Rishi Sunak to "intervene".

Speaking about the former deputy prime minister, Dave Penman told Times Radio: "Though he was happy for a KC - who was Adam Tolley - to investigate, he just doesn’t like the result, and now he’s desperately trying to rescue his reputation, including (through) his spurious allegations about civil servants.

"This is where we start to get into quite dangerous territory and really the prime minister should be starting to intervene, because what Raab’s now doing is he’s saying: ‘this wasn’t just about me, this was a politically motivated group of civil servants trying to block government policy’.

"Of course he provides no evidence to support that whatsoever in his desperate attempt to defend himself."

Mr Penman accused ministers more generally of trying to "create a culture war of a ‘woke left civil service’ without any evidence", describing the service as having "both hands tied behind its back unable to defend itself" due to impartiality rules.

He added that Mr Sunak should "conduct a review of the entire process" of civil servants reporting their concerns about ministers.

How the papers reacted to Raab’s resignation

07:22 , Matt Mathers

The resignation of deputy prime minister Dominic Raab dominated the front pages across British newspapers on Saturday.

The Independent reports on the sacking of Mr Raab who “rages” against the bullying report that forced him to resign and blamed the media.

See how the rest of the papers covered Mr Raab’s departure below:

What the papers say – April 22

Watch: Timeline of Dominic Raab's career as he resigns from Cabinet over bullying claims

07:00 , Emily Atkinson

Raab conduct ‘would have brought disciplinary action in private sector’

06:00 , Emily Atkinson

Dominic Raab would have likely faced disciplinary action if he was working for a private company, an employment lawyer has said.

Caroline Baker, a solicitor at law firm GQ Littler, said the findings that Mr Raab “intimidated” and “humiliated” civil servants would have seen the former deputy prime minister facing at least a final written warning if he had been a regular employee rather than a minister.

She said: “I think he would certainly be subject to disciplinary action for this.

“Whether he was terminated or given a final written warning would depend on the employer, but let’s say it’s your CEO and they are humiliating your employees, I think they would be gone, so I think it’s untenable.”

Raab conduct ‘would have brought disciplinary action in private sector’

John Rentoul: Dominic Raab’s resignation gets Rishi Sunak off the hook

05:00 , Emily Atkinson

It was a marginal decision on the facts, and the prime minister erred on the side of public opinion in requiring Dominic Raab’s resignation, writes John Rentoul. Public opinion will not be completely satisfied, because Raab was allowed to resign rather than being sacked, but that is a detail.

Dominic Raab’s resignation gets Rishi Sunak off the hook | John Rentoul

Dominic Raab ‘called me a ‘silly b****’, lawyer who took government to court over Brexit claims

04:00 , Emily Atkinson

The lawyer who took the government to court over Brexit claims embattled Dominic Raab once called her a “silly b****”.

The deputy prime minister and justice secretary, whose fate hangs in the balance pending the outcome of a report into bullying allegations against him, saw Gina Miller as “lesser than himself,” she has claimed.

Ms Miller, who challenged the government’s Brexit plans in the Supreme Court, alleges Mr Raab abused her while the pair shared a lift after appearing on the BBC’s Today show in 2016 to talk about the case.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more:

Raab ‘called me ‘silly b****’, lawyer who took government to court over Brexit claims

No 10 rejects union call for wider inquiry into ministerial bullying

03:00 , Emily Atkinson

Downing Street has rejected calls for a wider inquiry into ministerial bullying but indicated that lessons could be learned about the handling of complaints.

FDA general secretary Dave Penman had warned that misconduct by senior members of Government is more widespread than Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to admit as he called for a wider probe into ministerial behaviour.

Mr Penman, who made the call following Mr Raab’s resignation, complained of the “inadequacy of a process that relies solely on the Prime Minister of the day to enforce standards”.

No 10 rejects union call for wider inquiry into ministerial bullying

Kim Sengupta: I witnessed the Afghan evacuation scandal – Raab should have been sacked there and then

02:00 , Emily Atkinson

Junior staff with no experience of Afghanistan were left to make life-or-death decisions, writes World Affairs Editor Kim Sengupta.

I witnessed the Afghan evacuation scandal. Raab should’ve been sacked | Kim Sengupta

GB News rumours swirl as Rees-Mogg declares: ‘I don’t think Raab needed to resign’

01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Dominic Raab should not have resigned, Jacob Rees-Mogg has said, suggesting the former deputy PM “had not done anything improper.”

Mr Raab quit this morning after a report upheld two claims of bullying against him and found he was “unreasonably and persistently aggressive” in a meeting while foreign secretary.

Speaking to GB News this evening, former Cabinet minister Mr Rees-Mogg declared Mr Raab had been wrong to take such action, which he claimed set a “damaging” precedent for the role of the civil service.

More on this here:

GB News rumours swirl as Rees-Mogg declares: ‘I don’t think Raab needed to resign’

‘Raab mess’ destroyed trust between ministers and civil servants – think tank

Saturday 22 April 2023 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

The investigation into claims Dominic Raab bullied staff has led to a “complete breakdown” in trust between ministers and civil servants, a think tank has said.

Alex Thomas, programme director at the Institute for Government, said the inquiry has exposed “deep flaws” in the process for handling poor ministerial behaviour and that raising a complaint is still seen as “a sure-fire way to end a civil service career”.

Reacting to the report published by Adam Tolley on Friday, Mr Thomas said: “(The) system can only function if there is a high level of trust between politicians and the officials who serve them.

More on this story here:

‘Raab mess’ destroyed trust between ministers and civil servants – think tank

The conduct that sent Dominic Raab to the backbenches – key points

Friday 21 April 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

Former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab has resigned after an inquiry found he had acted in an “intimidating” and “aggressive” way with officials.

The 47-page report by Adam Tolley KC examines a number of incidents spanning the former minister’s tenure as foreign secretary, justice secretary and Brexit secretary.

Here PA takes a look at the key allegations – and which ones were upheld:

The conduct that sent Dominic Raab to the backbenches – key points

Raab resignation: What does a deputy prime minister do?

Friday 21 April 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

It is a loosely defined role but as Margaret Thatcher once said, every prime minister needs a Willie, writes Sean O’Grady

What does a deputy prime minister do?

Watch: Who replaces Dominic Raab? A look at Sunak’s cabinet after ex-deputy PM resigns

Friday 21 April 2023 21:00 , Emily Atkinson

Braverman announces new amendments to Illegal Migration Bill

Friday 21 April 2023 20:00 , Emily Atkinson

The Home Secretary has announced a number of amendments to the Illegal Migration Bill, which is designed to stop small boats of migrants from crossing the English Channel, as she looks to appease right-leaning Conservative backbenchers.

The Home Office said the amendments laid on Friday would “make clear” the UK’s domestic courts cannot apply any interim measure to stop a migrant arriving via an unauthorised route from being removed if they bring forward a legal challenge, aside from in the narrow route available under the Bill where they are at risk of serious and irreversible harm.

The proposed changes will also allow ministers to “exercise discretion in relation to interim measures issued by the European Court of Human Rights, and set certain principles under which they would make a decision whether to comply or not”, department officials said.

Home secretary Suella Braverman said: “The British public are rightly fed up with people coming to the UK through dangerous small boat crossings, and myself and the Prime Minister are absolutely committed to stopping the boats once and for all.

“The changes I am announcing today will help secure our borders and make it easier for us to remove people by preventing them from making last-minute, bogus claims, while ensuring we strengthen our safe and legal routes.

“My focus remains on ensuring this landmark piece of legislation does what it is intended to do, and we now must work to pass it through Parliament as soon as possible so we can stop the boats.”

Sean O’Grady: Raab quits – but his petulance and anger say it all

Friday 21 April 2023 19:30 , Emily Atkinson

You can well imagine Raab flicking through the Tolley report, vein throbbing in his forehead, pulling that smile-grimace, his tongue flicking at his lips in frustration, writes Sean O’Grady.

He sounds an angry and petulant man, with none of the sort of humility that might one day help rehabilitate him: “Whilst I feel duty-bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me. I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government.”

Opinion: Raab quits – but his petulance and anger say it all

Raab’s constituent say ‘reeding frenzy’ incited by ex-deputy PM’s resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 19:00 , Emily Atkinson

Esher and Walton voter Sue Harding said she believes that a potentially damaging “feeding frenzy” has been created over Dominic Raab‘s resignation.

Ms Harding, 50, who works in marketing and who counts Mr Raab as her local MP, said: “I have always found him to be an intelligent, principled and considered man.

“I think that what is happening today is some political point-scoring for what I consider to be a dysfunctional political system that isn’t fit for purpose in the world that we currently live. I think we need some serious reform.

“I am not party to what went on and most of us aren’t. It is obviously between the people that have brought the situation against him and him (Mr Raab).

“I think that the media is having a feeding frenzy and I don’t think he is any more of a bully than anybody else who is working in the political environment.

“He is a family man with a wife and children and I think the way the media are having a feeding frenzy on this is potentially devastating for him and his family. I would say that is a bullying situation.”

What are Raab’s constituents saying?

Friday 21 April 2023 18:30 , Emily Atkinson

Esher and Walton voter Lynne Murray described Dominic Raab‘s resignation as “disappointing but obviously there are lots of local issues to focus on and to keep him busy up to the next election”.

Ms Murray, 43, who lives in the constituency which counts Mr Raab as its local MP, said: “You are in a very high-pressured and demanding environment.

“I understand that standards and tensions are high and that he is under a lot of pressure as people in public life are to deliver.

“I would be interested to see what the report said. It is disappointing but obviously there are lots of local issues to focus on and to keep him busy up to the next election.”

Raab should have been sacked by PM, says Davey

Friday 21 April 2023 18:02 , Emily Atkinson

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has dismissed suggestions that criticism could be lodged about the investigation which upheld some bullying allegations against former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab.

Speaking in Mr Raab‘s Esher and Walton constituency, Sir Ed said: “The Conservatives decided on this complaint procedure and it has found he was guilty of bullying and intimidatory behaviour.

“He should have been sacked by the prime minister. I’m afraid this is typical of what has been going on with this Conservative government.

“There has been a number of Conservative ministers who have been found guilty of bullying incidents.

“I think this chaos in the Conservative government is one of the reasons so many people are switching away from the Conservatives and to the Liberal Democrats.”

Lib Dem leader calls for by-election in Raab’s constituency

Friday 21 April 2023 17:41 , Emily Atkinson

There should now be a by-election in former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab‘s Surrey constituency as he is “unfit” to be an MP, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said.

Sir Ed was speaking as he knocked on doors in the Esher and Walton constituency, just hours after Mr Raab resigned from his top level post following a bullying investigation which upheld some allegations against him.

Sir Ed said: “Dominic Raab is not only unfit to be a minister but also a Member of Parliament.

“He should resign and trigger a by-election here in Esher and Walton so his constituents can get the MP they deserve.”

The Lib Dems describe the constituency as “a knife-edge marginal” which the Tories hold from them by 2,700 seats.

Meet Sunak’s new deputy PM: Comprehensive kid known as ‘Olive’ who was compared to Tony Blair’s attack dog Alastair Campbell

Friday 21 April 2023 17:24 , Emily Atkinson

Some in the Conservative party are calling it an “Olive branch”.

Rishi Sunak has sought to restore order after the resignation of his deputy prime minister in a bullying scandal by calling on one of his closest allies in politics.

Oliver Dowden - affectionately known as Olive to his Tory friends – is the prime minister’s new deputy, appointed just hours after Dominic Raab quit the cabinet.

Despite an early expertise in the attacking form of political communications that once led to comparisons with Alastair Campbell, Mr Dowden is known as one of the “nice guys” of politics. Regarded as a safe pair of hands, one of his jobs will include acting as a government spokesman when a crisis erupts.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more:

Meet Sunak’s new deputy PM ‘Olive’ - who was compared to Alastair Campbell

Labour attacks Raab’s MoJ record

Friday 21 April 2023 16:37 , Emily Atkinson

Labour’s shadow justice secretary has attacked Dominic Raab‘s record in office following his resignation from the Cabinet.

Steve Reed said: “Dominic Raab has finally resigned without a word of apology for leaving the criminal justice system in tatters.

“His legacy is the longest trial delays on record, barely one in a hundred reported rapists being prosecuted, criminals dodging jail because the prisons are full and the Probation Service failing to supervise dangerous offenders, leaving the public at risk.

“After 13 years of Conservative failure, only Labour has a serious plan to cut crime.

“We will increase the number of prosecutors to put dangerous criminals behind bars, introduce specialist rape courts to speed up justice for survivors and strengthen the use of community sentences to prevent reoffending.

“That’s how Labour will prevent crime, punish criminals and protect communities.”

Alex Chalk warned he inherits a ‘crisis’ from Raab

Friday 21 April 2023 16:15 , Emily Atkinson

Alex Chalk has been warned that he faces a “crisis” in the British justice system, as he prepares to take over from Dominic Raab.

The new Justice Secretary will inherit plenty of challenges, including concerns about delays in the court system and the state of the criminal justice system.

But he will also take over responsibility for Mr Raab‘s long-term controversial plan to replace the Human Rights Act.

His arrival at the Ministry of Justice saw the Law Society warn that he “inherits an even worse justice crisis than any of his recent predecessors”.

Lubna Shuja, the Law Society president, said: “The justice system is facing worsening backlogs, legal aid on the point of collapse, crumbling courts and a shortage of judges and court staff. The new Justice Secretary must get a grip on the crisis as a matter of urgency.

“It is Alex Chalk’s job to bring the justice system back to full strength and I look forward to working closely with him to fight for improved access to justice for all.”

Kirsty Brimelow, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said her organisation wanted to work constructively with the new Justice Secretary.

“The new Secretary of State must grasp the urgency of following through the final part of the deal between the Ministry of Justice and the Criminal Bar Association. There remain insufficient barristers to prosecute and defend in trials before the courts.

“Medium and long-term reform must start if the criminal justice system is to be pulled out of crisis.”

Tom Peck: Farewell, Raab the ridiculous: a bully to the last

Friday 21 April 2023 15:56 , Emily Atkinson

“The British people will pay.” Dominic Raab had five months to come up with some kind of dignified response to be deployed at the moment when he was confirmed to have bullied staff in multiple government departments, to the surprise of absolutely no one. And that was the best he could do.

Read Tom Peck’s latest political sketch here:

Farewell, Raab the ridiculous: a bully to the last | Tom Peck

Dowden ‘deeply honoured’ to be named deputy PM

Friday 21 April 2023 15:33 , Emily Atkinson

Newly-appointed deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said he was “deeply honoured” to take on the role.

“I look forward to working even more closely with the prime minister as we tackle the issues that matter most to the people of this country,” he tweeted.

Suella Braverman wins legal battle over ‘emergency’ asylum camp at Essex military base

Friday 21 April 2023 15:18 , Emily Atkinson

Suella Braverman has won a legal battle over plans to turn a former military base into a camp housing 1,700 asylum seekers.

The home secretary declared the current shortage of asylum accommodation an “emergency” to bypass normal planning permission, and development has been started at former RAF Wethersfield without local consultation.

Braintree District Council applied for an injunction to stop the scheme and force the government to apply for planning permission in the normal way but on Friday, a judge ruled that the High Court did not have jurisdiction to decide the case.

Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden has this breaking story:

Suella Braverman wins legal battle over ‘emergency’ asylum camp at military base

Dominic Raab: Timeline of the Deputy Prime Minister's political career

Friday 21 April 2023 15:10 , Emily Atkinson

7 important things you might have missed from the Dominic Raab bullying report

Friday 21 April 2023 14:56 , Emily Atkinson

The report the prompted Dominic Raab‘s resignation runs to a densely packed 47 pages.

The headline is that he did bully staff and quit the governemnt over its findings.

But the report also contains a lot of interesting details about what did and didn’t go on while Mr Raab was a cabinet minister.

There are also a number of curious hints about how the deputy prime minister reacted to the inquiry itself.

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone has the details:

Oliver Dowden named deputy PM after Dominic Raab resigns over allegations – latest

Oliver Dowden appointed new deputy PM after Raab’s resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 14:37 , Emily Atkinson

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has written up a summary of Rishi Sunak’s mini Cabinet reshuffle, prompted by Dominic Raab’s departure this morning.

Read his full report here:

New deputy PM named after Dominic Raab’s resignation

Report unable to find in favour of ‘perverse culture of fear’ under Raab

Friday 21 April 2023 14:33 , Emily Atkinson

New details now from the report into Dominic Raab’s conduct, as work continues by our political team to comb through the 48-page document:

Adam Tolley KC was unable to find in favour of civil servants at the Ministry of Justice who complained of a “perverse culture of fear” and unreasonable work deadlines during Mr Raab‘s tenure.

Mr Tolley praised the officials for coming forward and found they had “no ulterior agenda”, but said issues with the composition of the complaint made it unsuitable as a basis for findings.

He wrote: “The participants in the MoJ group complaint deserve credit for their courage in coming forward.

“It cannot have been easy for them to do so and their motivation was to stand up for more senior colleagues whose experiences they had observed at one remove.

“Having interviewed almost all of the individuals closely involved, I find that they are sincere and committed civil servants, with no ulterior agenda.”

Referring to the complaint, he said: “It uses the language of a ‘perverse culture of fear’ without a clear explanation of what it is said to mean.

“I received different explanations from different individuals.

“It refers to a significant extent to material in relation to effects on colleagues about which none of the interviewees in respect of the MoJ group complaint knew anything specific.

“It made allegations about unreasonable work deadlines which were not persuasively instantiated by any witness.”

Labour attacks appointment of ‘11th justice secretary in 13 chaotic years’

Friday 21 April 2023 14:13 , Emily Atkinson

Shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said that Alex Chalk was the “11th Conservative justice secretary in 13 chaotic years that have destroyed the justice system”.

“Real change can only come with a Labour government,” he said.

‘Sigh of relief’ as Alex Chalk replaces Dominic Raab

Friday 21 April 2023 14:08 , Emily Atkinson

Lizzie Dearden, The Independent’s home affairs correspondent writes;

Many of those working in the criminal justice system are breathing a sigh of relief at the appointment of Alex Chalk as Dominic Raab’s successor as justice secretary.

A current defence minister, he previously served as solicitor general until he resigned during the meltdown of Boris Johnson’s government last July. Mr Chalk went on to back Rishi Sunak’s leadership campaign.

He is not believed to be an enthusiastic supporter of his predecessor’s Bill of Rights, and his appointment could be the final death knell for the controversial law.

In his July resignation letter, Mr Chalk spoke of his work on new domestic abuse laws and the delivery of legal advice, and praised the “talented civil servants” he worked with in the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office.

Mr Chalk is a barrister and was practicing as recently as last year, with his chambers profile saying he “prosecuted and defended in the most serious cases, including terrorist bomb plots, international fraud, multi-handed rape cases and murder.”

Sunak takes Raab resignation as opportunity for mini-reshuffle

Friday 21 April 2023 14:04 , Emily Atkinson

It appears the prime minister is taking Dominic Raab’s departure this morning as an opportunity for a mini-reshuffle of his Cabinet.

With the next general election fast approaching, these latest movements inside Rishi Sunak’s inner circle give us an idea of how the Tory command might look when the country next takes to the polls.

Here is a rundown of the latest appointments:

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

• Alex Chalk KC MP as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

• James Cartlidge MP as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence

• Gareth Davies MP as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, has also been appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

In addition, His Majesty has approved the following appointments under the provisions in the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021:

• Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP as a Minister on Leave (Secretary of State)

• Rt Hon Chloe Smith MP as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

• Julia Lopez MP as a Minister on Leave (Minister of State)

• Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP as a Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

These will take effect when maternity leave is triggered.

Oliver Dowden appointed deputy PM

Friday 21 April 2023 13:55 , Emily Atkinson

Oliver Dowden has been appointed deputy prime minister, Downing Street has announced.

Mr Dowden is the Conservative MP for Hertsmere, and has been an MP continuously since 7 May 2015.

He currently holds the government posts of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and secretary of state in the Cabinet Office.

No 10 backs ‘thorough report’ after Raab’s criticism

Friday 21 April 2023 13:51 , Emily Atkinson

Downing Street said that the report into Dominic Raab was “detailed” and “thorough”, following the former justice secretary’s criticism.

Mr Raab earlier dismissed the investigation as a “Kafkaesque saga” and warned its findings set a “dangerous precedent” for ministerial conduct.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “This is a very detailed, thorough piece of work. He thanks him for it.

“It has allowed him to come to the judgment with regards the former Secretary of State.

“It is important he appointed someone of significant experience, which Adam Tolley is, to carry out this work and I think it will give people confidence that these issues are looked at thoroughly and properly.”

Dominic Raab replaced as justice secretary by Alex Chalk

Friday 21 April 2023 13:49 , Emily Atkinson

The prime minister has appointed defence minister Alex Chalk to replace Dominic Raab as justice secretary.

The appointment comes hours after Mr Raab resigned from Rishi Sunak’s cabinet following an inquiry into bullying allegations against him.

Mr Raab was also deputy prime minister, but Mr Sunak is not expected to appoint a replacement in that role.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more:

Dominic Raab replaced as justice secretary by Alex Chalk

Friday 21 April 2023 13:40 , Liam James

Lizzie Dearden, our Home Affairs Editor, writes:

The fallout from Dominic Raab’s resignation is not the only internal battle faced by the government today.

It is yet to publish an amendment to the Illegal Migration Bill demanded by a right-wing faction of the Conservative Party.

The “Common Sense Group” of MPs successfully lobbied the prime minister and home secretary to create a clause overriding interim measures by the European Court of Human Rights, after they grounded the first attempted flight to Rwanda last June.

Downing Street agreed the change in principle, angering critics and charities who accused the government of “increasingly authoritarian” behaviour and wrecking “respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

But the new clause did not appear on a list of amendments published on the parliament website, and The Independent understands it will be tabled later today.

What was on the list, however, was the government’s concession to a separate rebellion by a group of cross-party MPs headed by Conservative Tim Loughton on creating more safe and legal routes.

While weaker than wanted by rebels, who originally demanded that alternatives to Channel crossings were set up before the government could detain and deport asylum seekers for using small boats, it forces the government to lay out new routes within six months of the bill passing.

Sunak 'accepts Raab broke ministerial code’

Friday 21 April 2023 13:40 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak accepts that Dominic Raab broke the ministerial code with the finding of bullying, No 10 says.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “You can see the aspects relevant to the code are set out in the report. I think those speak for themselves.

“The prime minister thinks it’s right that any findings whatsoever that are deemed to be bullying, it’s right to resign. That’s the commitment the former secretary of state made and he’s upheld that commitment.”

Asked whether he would condemn the behaviour, the spokesman said: “Clearly, any bullying in general terms is unacceptable and there are clear rules that apply to that.”

‘Entirely right’ for PM to take time to consider Raab report, says No 10

Friday 21 April 2023 13:37 , Emily Atkinson

Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the latest from No 10:

Rishi Sunak does not regret not acting more swiftly over Dominic Raab, No 10 has said.

The prime minister was criticised by even his own ministers after he failed to decide his deputy’s fate on Thursday.

But asked if the prime minister regretted not acting more quickly, No 10 said “No”.Downing Street said it was “entirely right” that he took time to consider the report carefully.

Raab was ‘intimidating and insulting’ on several occasions – report

Friday 21 April 2023 13:35 , Emily Atkinson

Dominic Raab complained about a lack of “the basics” or “basic information” while working at the Ministry of Justice, according to the report.

He was “intimidating” and “insulting” on a number of occasions in meetings, the report found.

“On a number of occasions of meetings with policy officials (albeit by no means in every case) the DPM acted in a manner which was intimidating, in the sense of going further than was necessary or appropriate in delivering critical feedback, and also insulting, in the sense of making unconstructive critical comments about the quality of work done (whether or not as a matter of substance any criticism was justified),” Adam Tolley KC wrote.

Sunak held phone call with Raab this morning

Friday 21 April 2023 13:29 , Emily Atkinson

More now from the lobby...

Rishi Sunak spoke to Dominic Raab ahead of his resignation, but Downing Street declined to set out whether he told him he had to go.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “He spoke to Dominic Raab this morning, that was on the phone rather than in person.”

The official would not say whether the prime minister asked his deputy to resign from the Cabinet, saying: “I’m not going to get into their conversation.”

Mr Sunak consulted both Mr Tolley and his ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus on Thursday, but did not speak to Mr Raab that day, the spokesman said.

Tory MP Julian Knight to stand down at next general election

Friday 21 April 2023 13:27 , Emily Atkinson

Suspended Conservative MP Julian Knight has said he will not try to get the Tory whip back and will not stand at the next general election after the police dropped a sexual assault allegation against him.

The Solihull MP tweeted: “I will not be standing for the Conservatives or any other party at the next general election. The past year has been for my wife and I the worst of our lives.

“The false and malicious accusation brought against me last December did untold damage to my physical and mental well being as well as causing pain and distress to my loved ones.”

After police dropped an investigation into a serious sexual assault allegation against Mr Knight last month, Tory chief whip Simon Hart confirmed he would not have the party whip restored.

A spokesman for the whips cited “further complaints” against Mr Knight, but the nature of the complaints is not known.

PM 'won’t appoint new deputy’

Friday 21 April 2023 13:25 , Emily Atkinson

We have just received an update from our lobby team, where political journalists are putting questions to No 10’s communications corp.

The prime minister’s spokesperson has told our reporters that Rishi Sunak is not expected to appoint a new deputy PM to replace Dominic Raab.

Mr Raab held the role of deputy PM under both Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak – a stint which met a brief interlude on the backbenches when Liz Truss became prime minister in 2022.

Raab felt ‘cultural resistance’ against parole reform, report finds

Friday 21 April 2023 13:20 , Liam James

Dominic Raab hit out at what he described as “cultural resistance” in the Ministry of Justice to the Bill of Rights and his policies on the parole system.

Referencing complaints which were registered between November and December 2022, Adam Tolley KC wrote: “The DPM’s policy priorities included the Bill of Rights and reform of the parole system.

“The DPM perceived what he described as ‘cultural resistance’ to these, amongst other, policies.

“This perception was regarded by the civil servants concerned as highly contentious and was emphatically rejected by many, particularly in view of the obligation to give informed and impartial advice.”

Civil service union backs Raab resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 13:09 , Emily Atkinson

A union representing civil servants the PCS welcomed Mr Raab’s resignation, adding that “bullying at work is unacceptable”.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Whilst I am happy to see Raab go, this is nothing more than the latest in a line of high-ranking government members who have been caught in the act, and subsequently called out on it.

“Dominic Raab has been proven to be a bully, but this government has got away with treating its own workforce appallingly.”

Tory MPs rally behind Dominic Raab after resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 13:00 , Liam James

Conservative MPs threw their support behind Mr Raab, saying his resignation showed “we are not a serious country”.

Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrisey said the report’s findings mean the definition of bullying now “includes telling someone to do their job”.

In a Twitter post, she said: “Sadly, we now live in a country where the definition of bullying includes telling someone to do their job. Where the slightest upset or annoyance is indulged with endless reports and inquiries.

“Where whining, taking offence and narcissistic victimhood have become the defining characteristics of our times – as the uncomplaining and silent majority look on in disbelief.”

Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill said he was “very sad for Dom,” who “always comes across as a really genuine, decent guy”.

“If you’re determined to get things done maybe you’re less than sympathetic to people who maybe don’t share that determination,” he told Times Radio.

And Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said: “We are not a serious country.”

Dominic Raab cleared of shouting and swearing at staff

Friday 21 April 2023 12:38 , Liam James

Though the report upheld two claims of bullying, Dominic Raab was cleared of shouting and swearing at staff.

Adam Tolley KC, investigating, wrote: “There was no persuasive evidence that the DPM shouted at individuals. I also conclude that he did not swear at any individual or swear more generally.”

Mr Raab was also cleared of using physical gestures in a threatening way.

Staff had told the inquiry that he put his hand towards someone’s face “with a view to stop them talking” and banged on tables.

Adam Tolley KC wrote: “I heard a good deal of evidence about the DPM’s use of physical gestures in communication. At the most extreme, and which would have been unacceptable, this was put as extending his hand directly out towards another person’s face with a view to making them stop talking.

“Another example of such an allegation was loud banging of the table to make a point.

“At the opposite end of the spectrum, which would be regarded as acceptable, suggestions were made of the use of a defensive gesture to suggest that a person should hold off from speaking further, accompanied by a verbal explanation, or the use of a finger extended downwards to make a particular point.”

He added: “I was not convinced that the DPM used physical gestures in a threatening way, although those unused to this style of communication might well have found it disconcerting.”

Report raises question of whether Dominic Raab was warned about behaviour

Friday 21 April 2023 12:33 , Liam James

One striking section of the report addresses whether Dominic Raab was warned that his behaviour was wrong at the time (Jon Stone writes).

Sir Philip Barton, the permanent secretary and top civil servant at the Foreign Office, says he did.

Mr Raab “denied that there had been any such” warning and “suggested that, in view of media reporting of the allegations against him, Sir Philip was under pressure to explain what he had done in respect of the allegations”.

Mr Raab “also questioned why there were no minutes of the discussion” with Sir Philip.

Effectively – he seems to have accused the head of his department of lying about what happened.

But the inquiry dismisses Mr Raab's claim noting that Sir Philip's “evidence was convincing and I do not think that he had any good reason to make up such a conversation with a view to protecting himself after the event”.

So was it Mr Raab who misled the inquiry about whether the meeting took place?

Friday 21 April 2023 12:03 , Liam James

While critical of Dominic Raab, the report also manages to downplay the seriousness of some of the allegations against the Tory MP (Jon Stone writes).

On example is where the author suggests that it would be possible for the deputy prime minister put his hand in a civil servant's face to stop them from talking, in a way that was not threatening or upsetting.

Evidence was given to the inquiry suggesting the former deputy prime minister has a habit of “extending his hand directly out towards another person’s face with a view to making them stop talking” and “loud banging of the table to make a point”, it notes.

Of these claims, Tolley says there was “significant scope for misunderstanding in relation to the use of physical gestures as part of communication”.

“I was not convinced that the DPM used physical gestures in a threatening way, although those unused to this style of communication might well have found it disconcerting,” he writes.

“I did not consider that there was any basis for legitimate criticism in this respect. The ‘hand out’ gesture was not in my view nearly as emphatic as the allegation suggested. Nor did I consider that any ‘banging’ of the table was such as would be likely to cause alarm.”

Sunak joins Raab in condemning bullying probe

Friday 21 April 2023 11:45 , Liam James

In a letter to his former deputy, Mr Sunak accepted Mr Raab’s resignation but highlighted “shortcomings” in the investigation which have “negatively affected everyone involved”.

The prime minister thanked Mr Raab for his “record of delivery” in government, including deputising for former prime minister Boris Johnson when he was hospitalised with Covid.

“I will always be grateful for your steadfast personal support during last year’s Conservative Party leadership contest,” Mr Sunak said.

“The subsequent dedication, commitment and loyalty with which you have discharged your responsibilities as deputy prime minister has been typical of your belief in public service,” he added.

The prime minister said he is looking forward to receiving Mr Raab’s support from the backbenches, suggesting he does not believe Mr Raab should resign as an MP.

Dominic Raab ‘intimidated’ and ‘humiliated’ civil servants, report finds

Friday 21 April 2023 11:43 , Liam James

Adam Tolley KC’s investigation into Dominic Raab found the minister acted in an “intimidating” fashion with “unreasonably and persistently aggressive conduct” in a work meeting while he was foreign secretary.

The KC wrote that Mr Raab’s behaviour “also involved an abuse or misuse of power in a way that undermines or humiliates. He introduced an unwarranted punitive element.

“In reaching and implementing this management choice he acted in a way which was intimidating, in the sense of unreasonably and persistently aggressive conduct in the context of a work meeting.”

Watch: Sunak ‘weak’ for failing to sack Raab, says Starmer

Friday 21 April 2023 11:37 , Liam James

The Labour leader gave his verdict on Rishi Sunak’s conduct in the face of the report into bullying claims against Dominic Raab.

Dominic Raab hits out at ‘Kafkaesque’ bullying probe

Friday 21 April 2023 11:22 , Liam James

Dominic Raab has condemned the “Kafkaesque saga” he faced after he quit the cabinet following the inquiry into bullying allegations.

The former minister said “normal rules of evidence and procedural fairness were disapplied” in his case.

Writing in The Telegraph, he said: “As a minister, I worked with outstanding officials and I value their contribution enormously.

“Equally, the British public expect ministers to exercise rigorous oversight over officials to prevent democratic mandates being unpicked, raise the game of underperforming parts of government, and prevent Whitehall from squandering taxpayers’ money.

“Likewise, ministers should be held to the same standards as everyone else.

“In reality, the Kafkaesque saga I endured was shorn of the safeguards most people enjoy.”

Who will replace Dominic Raab as Justice Secretary?

Friday 21 April 2023 11:14 , Liam James

Dominic Raab has resigned from government, leaving a vacancy for justice secretary.

Rishi Sunak is expected to hold a mini-reshuffle over the coming days to plug the gap in the cabinet – but who will he pick?

Jon Stone rounds up some of the most likely runners and riders to replace Mr Raab running the Ministry of Justice:

Who will replace Dominic Raab as Justice Secretary?

Sunak showed ‘weakness’ in failing to sack Raab, says Starmer

Friday 21 April 2023 11:07 , Liam James

Sir Keir Starmer has said Rishi Sunak’s failure to sack Dominic Raab, instead allowing him to resign, demonstrates the prime minister’s weakness.

Mr Sunak had more than 24 hours with the report that upheld bullying complaints against his deputy before Mr Raab finally resigned.

During a visit to Middlesbrough, the Labour leader told broadcasters: “What I think this shows is the continual weakness of the prime minister.

“Because there’s a double weakness here. He should never have appointed him in the first place, along with other members of the Cabinet that shouldn’t have been appointed, and then he didn’t sack him.

“Even today, it’s Raab who resigned rather than the prime minister who acts.”

Watch live: On Downing Street after Dominic Raab resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 10:55 , Liam James

Independent TV brings you a stream from outside No 10 after the deputy prime minister’s resignation.

Raab resignation: Civil service union calls for inquiry into ministerial bullying

Friday 21 April 2023 10:41 , Liam James

The FDA, a civil service union, has called for an independent inquiry into ministerial bullying after two claims of bullying were upheld against Dominic Raab.

Responding to the deputy prime minister’s resignation, FDA general secretary Dave Penman said: “His obviously reluctant tone and dismissal of the complaints says more about his conduct than any findings will.

“This resignation is not a vindication of the current system, it’s a damning indictment of the inadequacy of a process that relies solely on the prime minister of the day to enforce standards.

FDA research found that one in six senior civil servants had witnessed misconduct by ministers in the last 12 months, across more than 20 government departments.

Mr Penman added: “This demonstrates that Raab is not just one bad apple, and there is a wider problem with ministerial bullying than the prime minister wants to admit.”

A survey by the union found that 70 per cent of senior civil servants had no confidence in the system for dealing with complaints.

Who is Dominic Raab? The no-nonsense karate black belt forced to resign over bullying claims

Friday 21 April 2023 10:38 , Liam James

Dominic Raab, a karate black belt, had developed a reputation in Westminster for being a bit of a no-nonsense political operator, unafraid to speak his mind (Matt Mathers writes).

The boxing enthusiast has never been one to pull his punches when dealing with civil service officials - and even some of his own colleagues.

Mr Raab, the MP for Esher and Walton, was first elected to parliament in 2010 and quickly rose up the ministerial ranks.

Theresa May appointed Mr Raab as a justice minister in 2017, before moving him to housing, communities and local government in January of the following year.

A committed Brexiteer, Mr Raab was appointed secretary of state for leaving the EU in 2018, where he spent just over a year.

Follow the link for a deeper look at the latest minister to leave Rishi Sunak’s government:

Who is Dominic Raab? Deputy prime minister resigns

Why did Dominic Raab resign?

Friday 21 April 2023 10:34 , Liam James

Dominic Raab’s resignation followed a monthslong investigation into bullying claims.

Rishi Sunak took a day to consider the findings of the investigation before his deputy left office.

For the full story behind this morning’s dramatic shift at the top of government, read here:

Dominic Raab resigns: Why did the deputy prime minister tender his resignation?

Dominic Raab’s resignation letter in full: ‘This inquiry sets a dangerous precedent’

Friday 21 April 2023 10:29 , Liam James

In his resignation letter, Dominic Raab attacked the investigation into his behaviour as “flawed” and setting a “low” threshold for bullying and a “dangerous precedent”.

Read the full text of his letter here:

Dominic Raab’s resignation letter in full after announcement today

Raab ‘unfit to be MP’: Political Twitter reacts to resignation

Friday 21 April 2023 10:22 , Liam James

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey says Dominic Raab “unfit to be an MP” and calls for a by-election in the ex-deputy PM’s seat.

Caroline Lucas alleges Rishi Sunak did not need an investigation to know Dominic Raab was a bully.

Dominic Raab’s seat must face by-election, say Lib Dems

Friday 21 April 2023 10:15 , Liam James

The Liberal Democrats have demanded a by-election in Dominic Raab‘s constituency of Esher and Walton following his ministerial resignation over a report into bullying allegations against him.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “Dominic Raab has shown he is not only unfit to serve as a minister, but is totally unfit to represent his constituents in Parliament.

“He should resign as an MP and trigger a by-election so the people of Esher and Walton can finally have the MP they deserve.

“Voters across Surrey and the Blue Wall are fed up with this endless Conservative chaos and MPs who take their communities for granted.

“At the next election in Esher and Walton, it will be a two-horse race between more Conservative Party chaos or a hardworking Liberal Democrat MP who will listen and stand up for local people.”

Full report: Dominic Raab resigns after bullying investigation

Friday 21 April 2023 10:10 , Liam James

Dominic Raab has resigned as deputy prime minister after a damning report into claims he bullied civil servants was finally published (Adam Forrest writes).

The findings of Adam Tolley KC’s independent probe in the bullying claims landed on the PM’s desk on Thursday morning, but the results were not initially revealed.

Mr Raab has denied allegations of bullying – insisting that he believes “heart and soul” that he is not a bully.

In a punchy resignation letter he said he felt “duty bound” to accept the outcome of the inquiry.

Full report from The Independent’s politics team here:

Dominic Raab resigns as Deputy Prime Minister after bullying investigation

Dominic Raab warns of 'dangerous precedent’

Friday 21 April 2023 10:06 , Liam James

Dominic Raab warned the inquiry into bullying claims set a dangerous precedent.

In his resignation letter, he said: “I called for the inquiry and undertook to resign, if it made any finding of bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word.

“Whilst I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me. I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government.”

He concluded: “In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent.

“It will encourage spurious complaints against ministers and have a chilling effect on those driving change on behalf of your government – and ultimately the British people.”

Read Dominic Raab's resignation letter in full

Friday 21 April 2023 10:00 , Liam James

In his resignation letter to Rishi Sunak, Dominic Raab conceded that evidence of bullying had been uncovered in a report into the deputy prime minister’s behaviour by Mark Tolley KC.

Raab & I have always got on, insists minister

Friday 21 April 2023 09:32 , Liam James

The transport secretary said he has “always got on very well” with Mr Raab despite a slew of bullying accusations against the deputy PM.

Mark Harper added that it is “not unreasonable” for Mr Sunak to take his time reading Adam Tolley KC’s report into the allegations before deciding on his fate. And he denied that Mr Sunak’s slow response, which has seen the prime minister accused of “dithering”, shows a lack of leadership.

Mr Harper told LBC: “I think for the Prime Minister to take the time to read the report in full in detail himself … it does not seem unreasonable that that's going to take a little bit of time.

“I think it demonstrates a Prime Minister who makes good decisions based on all of the facts… Due process actually is important. Every time you rush decisions, and you don't take them properly, you don't make good ones.

“I've always got on very well with Dominic Raab, but I don't want to prejudge the outcome of this case. There have been a number of serious complaints made about Dominic Raab, which is why this inquiry was set up.”

BREAKING: Dominic Raab resigns as Deputy Prime Minister after bullying investigation

Friday 21 April 2023 09:23 , Liam James

Dominic Raab has resigned as deputy prime minister after a damning report into claims he bullied civil servants was finally published.

The deputy PM has been under investigation since November over eight formal complaints about his behaviour as foreign secretary, Brexit secretary and his first stint as justice secretary.

We will bring you more on this breaking news as soon as we can.

Raab ‘has case to answer’ over Sunak’s delay

Friday 21 April 2023 09:19 , Liam James

Dominic Raab has a “case to answer” on bullying claims because a decision to keep him in place has not already been made, the shadow health secretary has suggested.

Wes Streeting told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “It certainly tells us that there’s a case to answer and this isn’t a clear-cut decision for Dominic Raab.

“Rishi Sunak appointed him despite knowing these allegations were in the air, and why does Rishi Sunak do this, well we can see with the case of the Home Secretary too - he’s too weak to stand up to his own party and the right of his own party in particular.

“Rishi Sunak has been holed up in Downing Street reading the report and he’s got no one to blame ... He knew these allegations were in the air when he appointed Dominic Raab as Deputy Prime Minister and he has got form for weakness in appointing people to the highest offices who are not fit to hold them.”

Minister says he’s never seen Raab shout at colleagues

Friday 21 April 2023 09:01 , Liam James

Transport Secretary Mark Harper denied he has ever seen Dominic Raab shout at a colleague.

He insisted he had “always got on very well” with the deputy prime minister personally but did not want to “prejudge the outcome of this case”.

Asked on LBC whether he had ever witnessed Mr Raab shout at a colleague, he said: “No. Look, you’re trying to draw me into that. Whatever my personal experiences are, there are people who have had serious complaints to make.”

Dominic Raab ‘called me a ‘silly b****’, lawyer who took government to court over Brexit claims

Friday 21 April 2023 08:25 , Liam James

The lawyer who took the government to court over Brexit claims embattled Dominic Raab once called her a “silly b****”.

The deputy prime minister and justice secretary, whose fate hangs in the balance pending the outcome of a report into bullying allegations against him, saw Gina Miller as “lesser than himself,” she has claimed.

Ms Miller, who challenged the government’s Brexit plans in the Supreme Court, alleges Mr Raab abused her while the pair shared a lift after appearing on the BBC’s Today show in 2016 to talk about the case.

She told Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored: “I have had a personal experience where he was a bully to me. I was doing the Today program about the case I brought, my first case, and coming down from the show in the lift he basically called me names.

Full report can be found here:

Time taken by PM defended by Transport Secretary

Friday 21 April 2023 07:57 , Tara Cobham

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has defended the time taken by the Prime Minister to reach a decision over the report into Dominic Raab’s conduct as “fair” to the officials who made complaints.

He told BBC Breakfast: “I think actually that’s the fair thing to do both for the complainants, who made some serious complaints, but also for Dominic Raab.

“I think for both sides in this the Prime Minister should take the time.”

Questions dodged on when PM might make decision

Friday 21 April 2023 07:56 , Tara Cobham

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has dodged questions on when the Prime Minister might make a decision over the report into bullying allegations against Dominic Raab.

Asked to indicate a timeframe for decision-making, he told Sky News: “He’ll want to reach a conclusion as quickly as he can.”

The minister refused to be drawn on whether Rishi Sunak is minded to show the report to his ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus.

He said: “Fundamentally this is a decision for the Prime Minister about who serves in the Government.

“He’ll take that decision in the careful, meticulous way he reaches all his decisions.”

Transport Secretary refuses to speak on Raab knowing complainants’ names

Friday 21 April 2023 07:55 , Tara Cobham

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has refused to say whether he thinks it is right that Dominic Raab knows the names of officials who have made complaints against him.

Saying that he had not been shown the report himself, he told Times Radio: “I don’t know the detail of how this inquiry has been conducted.”

Pressed on Mr Raab’s knowledge of the complainants’ names, which has been widely reported, he said: “I think Dominic Raab’s been clear all the way through this.

“He has respected the process, he has complied with the inquiry and, certainly in the interviews I’ve seen him in, he’s been very careful not to prejudge the outcome of the inquiry.”

‘Everyone knows difference between demanding bosses and bullies'

Friday 21 April 2023 07:49 , Tara Cobham

Everyone knows the difference between a demanding boss and a bully, a civil servants’ union leader has said as the Prime Minister ponders whether to sack Dominic Raab.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, also branded the delay a “farce” and a “completely unsatisfactory state of affairs” when he appeared on BBC Breakfast.

When asked whether the row was down to generational differences in workplace culture, he said: “We don’t need to redefine bullying, bullying is dealt with in workplaces up and down the country.

“There are demanding bosses and there are bullies, and everyone knows the difference.”

He added: “We don’t really know why he (Rishi Sunak) hasn’t been able to decide on the facts that were presented to him yesterday.

“It just reinforces the point of what a kind of farce this whole process is for those who raised complaints.

“Whatever the reason for that is, a completely unsatisfactory state of affairs, to be honest.”

‘Reasonable’ PM has made no decision, says Transport Secretary

Friday 21 April 2023 07:47 , Tara Cobham

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has insisted it is “quite reasonable” for the Prime Minister not to have made a decision yet over the report into bullying allegations against Dominic Raab.

Mr Harper told Times Radio the long-running inquiry was “extensive” and Rishi Sunak would be taking it “very seriously”.

He said: “It seems to me quite reasonable that the Prime Minister would want to read the report in full himself, go through all the detail, before he reaches a conclusion.”

Column: Which will be more catastrophic – the SpaceX rocket or Raab’s career?

Thursday 20 April 2023 22:40 , Jane Dalton

At least when the rocket exploded after take-off, it was over and done with and the rolling news channels moved on to the next thing, writes Tom Peck:

Whose credibility will explode harder: SpaceX’s or Raab’s? | Tom Peck

Raab’s history of controversial claims

Thursday 20 April 2023 22:10 , Jane Dalton

Dominic Raab is no stranger to controversy. He once labelled feminists “obnoxious bigots” and said men get “a raw deal”.

In 2017 he declared that food banks are used mostly by people with temporary cash flow problems.

An ardent Brexiteer, he once called for Britain to use negotiations with the EU to scrap workers’ rights. This was all highlighted when he was appointed Brexit secretary:

Dominic Raab: who is the man now tasked with leading Brexit?

Union chief calls for complaints system reform

Thursday 20 April 2023 21:40 , Jane Dalton

The handling of formal complaints against ministers should be taken out of the hands of politicians following the drawn-out bullying investigation, a union chief says.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, said a reform of the complaints process against ministers was required.

He said flagging complaints about ministerial behaviour was “an extraordinarily difficult thing to do” under the current system.

Some FDA members are behind the accusations levelled at Mr Raab.

Mr Penman said allowing the Prime Minister to act as “judge and jury” in disciplinary matters against frontbench members of his team was not a way to deal with allegations.

“There is no process for this, there is nothing in writing, you have no rights,” Mr Penman said.

Editorial: Sunak must act swiftly on Raab – and show real leadership

Thursday 20 April 2023 21:12 , Jane Dalton

The ministerial code is perfectly clear, and there is no reason, legal or moral, why politicians should be excused from the standards of behaviour expected of them. Read The Independent’s editorial here:

Editorial: Sunak must act swiftly on Raab – and show real leadership

Deputy PM ‘will not offer to quit'

Thursday 20 April 2023 20:45 , Jane Dalton

Dominic Raab has read Tolley’s report into his alleged bullying, according to ITV political editor Robert Peston, who says he understands the deputy PM believes the report does not show he breached the Ministerial Code, and so will not offer his resignation.

“Which means the PM has to decide whether to sack him.”

Another example of Tory chaos, says shadow attorney general

Thursday 20 April 2023 20:15 , Jane Dalton

Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry has accused Rishi Sunak of lacking the courage to sack Dominic Raab as Deputy Prime Minister.

The Labour MP said: “I think it’s another example of Conservative chaos and not addressing the problems of the country.

“He’s going to spend tonight looking at the report and trying to summon up the courage to work out whether he should sack his deputy or not when really what he should be doing is focusing on a cost-of-living crisis.

“He’s got the report, read the report: if he’s a bully, sack him.”

Asked whether the Prime Minister should take time to consider the findings, Ms Thornberry responded: “A bully is a bully.”

Sunak may consult ethics tsar

Thursday 20 April 2023 19:45 , Jane Dalton

There is no formal role for Rishi Sunak’s ethics tsar Sir Laurie Magnus in the investigation, but the Prime Minister could consult him before delivering his verdict on Mr Raab - although such conversations are usually kept private.

Sir Laurie had not been appointed as the independent adviser on ministers’ interests when the investigation into Mr Raab was launched.

Union chief slams ‘farce’

Thursday 20 April 2023 19:20 , Jane Dalton

Union leader Dave Penman labelled the wait for the Prime Minister to reach a verdict a “farce”.

Mr Penman is general secretary of the FDA, a union representing senior civil servants, including some of the complainants who have accused the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary of bullying behaviour in the workplace.

Mr Penman said: “Imagine being a civil servant who has been brave enough to raise a complaint against the Deputy Prime Minister, sitting in a government department and you’re watching this farce play out live on television, not knowing what your fate is going to be about the complaints you have raised.

“No one knows what is going to happen now, there are no rules associated with any investigation, there are no rights for anyone who raises a complaint.

“People have just got to sit and watch telly to try and find out what has happened about very serious bullying allegations they might have made.”

Boris Johnson ‘privately warned’ Raab about behaviour

Thursday 20 April 2023 18:50 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson is said to have privately warned Dominic Raab about his behaviour when the minister held several cabinet positions under his leadership. From last month:

Boris Johnson ‘privately warned’ Dominic Raab about conduct

Sunak ‘summoning up guts to sack Raab'

Thursday 20 April 2023 18:25 , Jane Dalton

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner MP accused Rishi Sunak of delaying the publication of the report while he tries to “summon up the guts to sack his own deputy”.

She said: “While the Prime Minister dithers and delays, trying to summon up the guts to sack his own deputy, working people are battling the worst cost-of-living crisis for a generation - food bills and mortgage rates are rising, wages are stagnating, and too many of us are waiting months and even years for health treatment.

“While the Tories are yet again mired in chaos, Labour is focused on cutting the cost of living, cutting crime, and cutting waiting lists with our long-term plan to give Britain its future back.”

PM has ‘full confidence’ in Raab

Thursday 20 April 2023 18:10 , Jane Dalton

A reminder ICYMI: Rishi Sunak maintains “full confidence” in his deputy while he “carefully considers” the report findings, Downing Street said this morning:

PM has ‘full confidence’ in Dominic Raab as he considers bullying report

Report ‘won’t give verdict on bullying’, leaving Sunak to judge

Thursday 20 April 2023 17:59 , Jane Dalton

The official investigation into claims Dominic Raab bullied government staff will not offer a verdict and will leave Rishi Sunak to assess whether his behaviour merits punishment, it emerged this week:

Dominic Raab report ‘won’t give verdict on bullying claims’ – leaving Sunak to decide

Decision will be Friday at the earliest

Thursday 20 April 2023 17:32 , Jane Dalton

A decision on Mr Raab’s future will not be announced until Friday at the earliest, according to the Press Association.

PM sleeps on ‘bullying’ report

Thursday 20 April 2023 17:17 , Jane Dalton

Rishi Sunak has decided he needs time to decide whether to sack his deputy prime minister – despite receiving the report into bullying allegations.

Mr Sunak was accused of “dither and delay”:

Rishi Sunak delays Dominic Raab decision as PM sleeps on ‘bullying’ report

Sunak postpones decision

Thursday 20 April 2023 17:09 , Jane Dalton

Rishi Sunak will not determine the fate of Dominic Raab as deputy prime minister today, the PA news agency is reporting.

Labour asks why Raab was not suspended during probe

Thursday 20 April 2023 16:50 , Jane Dalton

Labour MP Liz Kendall has questioned why Mr Raab was not suspended during the Tolley investigation.

“Why has it taken five months? Why hasn’t he been suspended in the meanwhile?” she told ITV News.

“These are serious allegations.

“Rishi Sunak promised the highest levels of standards and integrity in public life.

“Most people looking at this would feel he isn’t meeting his own standards.”

Raab may yet hope to save his job

Thursday 20 April 2023 16:30 , Jane Dalton

Officials close to the probe by Adam Tolley KC are said to have been “shocked” by some of the claims against Mr Raab, including staff regularly being left in tears and being sick before meetings with the deputy PM.

But expectations at Westminster are often turned on their head, and Mr Raab may still hope the findings are ambiguous enough to offer him a lifeline, writes Adam Forrest:

Will Rishi Sunak sack Dominic Raab over report into bullying claims?

No 10 tight-lipped on Sunak-Raab conversations

Thursday 20 April 2023 16:06 , Jane Dalton

Asked whether Rishi Sunak had spoken to Dominic Raab, a No 10 spokesman said: “I’m not going to to get into private conversations while the process is ongoing.

“The Prime Minister continues to consider the findings of the report.”

Sunak still contemplates decision on Raab

Thursday 20 April 2023 16:01 , Jane Dalton

Rishi Sunak is still considering Dominic Raab‘s fate as Deputy Prime Minister as he studies the findings of an investigation into whether he bullied staff, Downing Street has said.

A No 10 spokesman told reporters: “The Prime Minister is continuing to consider the findings of the report.”

Asked whether he could say whether a verdict would come on Thursday, the official said: “I’m afraid I can’t.”

He said Mr Raab remained in post and that the Prime Minister still had confidence in his deputy.

Home Office spent £370,000 settling Patel bullying claim

Thursday 20 April 2023 15:45 , Jane Dalton

It’s interesting to recall that Priti Patel was not forced to stand down when accused of bullying.

Instead, the Home Office spent more than £370,000 to settle a top civil servant’s tribunal claim in 2021, after he alleged the then home secretary had bullied him:

Home Office spent £370,000 settling Patel bullying claim by top civil servant

Raab pays for own legal defence

Thursday 20 April 2023 15:25 , Jane Dalton

The taxpayer footed an estimated £222,000 bill for Boris Johnson’s legal fees in the inquiry into whether he lied to MPs over partygate, but Dominic Raab has paid for his own legal team to defend himself against the allegations, the much-delayed register of ministerial interests shows:

Raab hired own lawyers to defend himself in bullying probe

Profile: An ‘unapologetic karate black belt who lacks the human touch'

Thursday 20 April 2023 14:58 , Jane Dalton

Dominic Raab suffers from a bit too much calm, steely determination, Sean O’Grady wrote in this observant profile of the minister in 2021:

Dominic Raab: An unapologetic karate black belt, lacking the human touch

Raab focuses on justice work

Thursday 20 April 2023 14:40 , Jane Dalton

While awaiting Mr Sunak’s verdict, Mr Raab has been focusing on his role as justice secretary, tweeting that convictions for rape have risen.

What could happen next

Thursday 20 April 2023 14:12 , Jane Dalton

How the prime minister is likely to respond, and what the report’s wider effect will be on the government:

Why was Dominic Raab under investigation, and what will happen next?

Raab could be Sunak’s third minister to go

Thursday 20 April 2023 13:45 , Jane Dalton

The allegations against the deputy prime minister could potentially result in the third departure of a senior government minister over their personal conduct since Rishi Sunak entered Downing Street in October and would undermine his efforts to revive the Conservative Party’s polling fortunes.

Gavin Williamson was forced to resign as a Cabinet minister in November after bullying allegations. And the prime minister sacked party chair Nadhim Zahawi in January after he was found to have broken the ministerial code over his openness about his tax affairs.

Here’s out report on Williamson’s resignation:

Gavin Williamson resigns amid scandal over ‘bullying’ messages

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website