Dominic Raab says two separate complaints were made against him from his previous tenure.
British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has called for an independent investigation into two complaints about his conduct, the latest alleging he bullied others to pressure Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Raab on Wednesday said he had been made aware of two separate complaints, one from when he was foreign minister and one from when he was justice minister.
Some officers who worked for him described him as a difficult and difficult boss, while others were described by local media as rude, aggressive and abusive. Raab has denied the allegations.
“I have written to the Prime Minister to ask for an independent investigation into two complaints made against me,” Raab said on Twitter. “I look forward to addressing these complaints.”
Raab said in a tweet that he “does not tolerate bullying”, and has been working to empower teams working in his departments.
‘Integrity, professionalism and accountability’
The new criticism forced Sunak, who used his first speech as prime minister last month to say his government would show “integrity, professionalism and accountability”.
Sunak defended his deputy this week, saying he was unaware of allegations that Raab abused staff.
Also on Wednesday, Sunak said the inquiry requested by Raab was the right course of action.
“I know you will be willing to address the complaints against you and agree that doing so is the right course of action,” Sunak told Raab in a letter.
“Integrity, expertise and accountability are the foundations of this Government. These matters should be fully investigated.”
Cabinet minister Gavin Williamson resigned last week over allegations of harassment, raising questions about Sunak’s decision just weeks into the job.
