Sunak faces scrutiny over whether he knew of Gavin Williamson bully claims

Gavin Williamson said he was resigning as the claims had become a distraction for the government and he wanted to clear his name. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

Rishi Sunak is facing scrutiny over whether he knew about Gavin Williamson’s alleged bullying of a senior civil servant whom he told to “cut your throat” before reappointing him to government.

Two sources claimed the prime minister had been alerted to Williamson’s “credible and substantiated bad behaviour” while defence secretary when he drew up his cabinet.