Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab
(Picture: PA Wire)The Cabinet Office has refused to comment on reports that the cabinet secretary was personally informed of a written complaint against Dominic Raab months before the prime minister appointed him justice secretary.
Simon Case, the most senior civil servant in the country, was told that officials had made allegations about the deputy prime minister, The Times reports
Witnesses reportedly told Adam Tolley, the KC leading a bullying inquiry into Mr Raab, that they believe Downing Street was aware of a written complaint last summer.
Officials investigating Mr Raab’s behaviour were allegedly told that the deputy prime minister was spoken to about his behaviour last spring, when Boris Johnson was prime minister, and Mr Case was informed.
However, a Cabinet Office spokesman today said it would be “inappropriate” to comment while the Tolley inquiry is ongoing.
Downing Street maintained that Rishi Sunak did not know about any “formal complaint” before appointing Mr Raab and the prime minister is standing by the cabinet secretary.
But on Friday the PM’s spokesman did not deny a report that Mr Case was personally informed of a written allegation.
Asked if Mr Sunak is confident he is getting solid advice from Mr Case, the spokesman said: “Yes. The Prime Minister has full confidence in Simon Case.”
Mr Raab faces at least eight formal accusations of bullying from staff and 24 civil servants have reportedly given evidence to the inquiry.
According to Dave Penman, the general secretary of the union representing Whitehall officials, staff who were allegedly bullied “suffered mental health crises”.
Allies of Mr Raab have accused disgruntled civil servants of trying to push him out.
Mr Raab has denied he swore and shouted at senior members of staff during his time in charge at several government departments.
He added that he makes “no apologies” for expecting high standards from staff.
Rishi Sunak is rumoured to be waiting for Mr Tolley’s report before considering a mini-reshuffle as he seeks to replace sacked Tory Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi and cover culture secretary Michelle Donelan, who is set to go on maternity leave later this year.
