Whitehall staff have urged the Prime Minister to allow an independent organisation to assess future bullying claims against ministers following civil servants' disillusionment over the Dominic Raab investigation. The calls come after repeated disappointments in grievance procedures against ministers in government workplaces.
An independent investigator will only "establish the specific facts" surrounding the claims, which Rishi Sunak will then rule on. FDA National Officer, who represents senior civil servants in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Parliament, has called for a new, fully independent process to be established if trust is to be rebuilt across Whitehall.
The complaints about Raab first emerged in The Guardian with multiple sources claiming he had created a "culture of fear" at the MoJ. UK politics live today as Rishi Sunak delays bullying report response to allegations that he repeatedly bullied his officials.
The FDA union that represents senior civil servants described the situation as a farce while Transport Secretary Mark Harper has been unable to say exactly when Sunak will take a decision and maintains that the PM is considering it carefully. The union has supported some of those who complained about Raab; its General Secretary Dave Penman said Sunak should have already taken action.
The Guardian revealed details about bullying allegations against Dominic Raab after Rishi Sunak promised integrity, professionalism and accountability throughout his administration. Reports claim that amid concerns over traumatized employees due to previous experiences with him, MoJ offered senior civil servants respite or transfers when Raab was reappointed by Sunak last month.
Further allegations were raised regarding Raab's behaviour towards officials during his time as foreign secretary within Whitehall circles; this prompted Sunak's appointment of an independent investigator examining complaints made against him by two different individuals.
Dominic Raab resigned from his position as justice secretary and deputy prime minister after Adam Tolley KC issued a report suggesting that his abrasive manner was no longer seen as a net positive. Raab's resignation marks the end of efforts by his allies to portray him merely as a demanding boss who works long hours and has high expectations.
Political damage following these allegations was severe, leading Boris Johnson to demote Raab from foreign secretary to justice secretary. With this verdict against him, an even more definitive one may follow in the future.
In light of the independent barrister's report finding too low a bar for bullying set within Raab's cabinet roles, Dominic Raab resigned from his position. The report dismissed all but two claims against Mr. Raab; he never swore or shouted at anyone during his tenure.
Raabs sent Rishi Sunak a two-page letter apologizing for any unintended stress or offence officials felt due to the high standards he brought to the MoJ and urged ministers to exercise direct oversight over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of British citizens.