Rishi Sunak has said he "obviously" regrets bringing Sir Gavin Williamson back into the Cabinet after his resignation over bullying claims. But the Prime Minister claimed he did not know about "any of the specific concerns" relating to Sir Gavin's time as defence secretary and chief whip.
Mr Sunak is facing questions about his judgment having appointed his ally as minister without portfolio in his first Cabinet after becoming Prime Minister. Sir Gavin has twice been sacked from Government positions in disgrace.
The Prime Minister was aware of a complaint by former chief whip Wendy Morton when he made the appointment. But he said he did not know about the “slit your throat” complaint by a civil servant while Sir Gavin led the Ministry of Defence or his behaviour while chief whip.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used Prime Minister’s Questions to pressure Mr Sunak over how the allegedly bullied official felt at hearing him welcome the resignation “with great sadness”. Mr Sunak responded: “Unequivocally the behaviour complained of was unacceptable and it’s absolutely right that the right honourable gentleman has resigned.
“For the record I did not know about any of the specific concerns relating to his conduct as secretary of state or chief whip that date back some years. I believe that people in public life should treat others with consideration and respect and those are the principles that this Government will stand by.”
Mr Sunak’s denial was limited to the allegations not centring on Ms Morton’s complaint, which relates to Sir Gavin’s time as a backbench MP. The Prime Minister added: “I obviously regret appointing someone who has had to resign in the circumstances.
“But I think what the British people would like to know is that when situations like this arise, that they will be dealt with properly. And that’s why it is absolutely right that he resigned and it’s why it is absolutely right that there is an investigation to look into these matters properly.
“I said my Government will be characterised by integrity, professionalism and accountability and it will.”
