Susanna Reid has questioned how an MP found "guilty" of inappropriate behaviour can be given a job in government as a chief whip with responsibility for welfare.
The Good Morning Britain (GMB) host grilled Dominic Raab earlier today about the conduct of Chris Pincher and decision making of Boris Johnson's government during a heated interview.
Johnson's government has been accused of lying after it said last week it was not aware of claims of wrongdoing against the Tamworth MP before appointing him.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson was 'briefed in person' about Chris Pincher inquiry as top official suggests No10 lied
However, earlier today a former top civil servant Lord McDonald published a letter saying Downing Street's line about the Prime Minister not knowing about the complaints are untrue.
In his letter McDonald said Johnson was briefed in person about allegations of wrongdoing by Pincher.
It comes after Pincher resigned last week over allegations he drunkenly groped two men in a private members' club in London.
Raab was questioned by Reid about Pincher being found guilty which the Tory minister challenged despite an investigation into inappropriate behaviour being upheld.
Here's the exchange between Susanna Reid (SR) and Dominic Raab (DR) in full:
DR : "You say found guilty, actually no formal disciplinary action was taken."
SR : "An investigation upheld the complaint, an investigation upheld the complaint."
DR : "You're wrong about what happened and it's important to clarify. It's absolutely true an investigation took place. I was clear we needed to understand the substance to these claims and what had happened."
SR : "Sorry. I'm not sure what we're arguing about here Mr Raab."
DR : "You're using the word guilty and that's simply wrong."
SR : "So what does an investigation upheld to the complaint of inappropriate behaviour for which Mr Pincher then apologised mean."
DR : "So I'll tell you exactly what it means if you allow me to complete the answer. It means a complaint was made. I should also say that, but that's often the case in these types of things that the complainant did not want formal action taken."
"The Permanent Secretary and I agreed it must be properly looked at to determine the veracity of the claims and the context and circumstances.
"It was clear the behaviour was inappropriate, unprofessional but it did not trip the wire of severity to warrant formal disciplinary process."
SR : "What you did in response is one thing. The fact of the matter is a complaint about inappropriate behaviour was made and investigation was undertaken. And the complaint was upheld."
DR : "No, I agree with that. It's your use of the word guilty."
SR : "Was he found guilty of inappropriate behaviour or not?"
DR : "The claim was found to be substantiated."
SR : "But he was guilty of inappropriate behaviour."
DR : "Guilty is a very loaded term."
SR : "Inappropriate behaviour is a pretty loaded term, Mr Raab."
DR : "Susanna, you always do this. Let me give you the account and your viewers can make up their mind. So the investigation into the facts upheld the complaint, but no formal disciplinary action was taken in the Cabinet Office.
"I wanted that extra assurance confirmed that there will be no action under the ministerial code of conduct."
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