Controversial UK Sunak Cabinet... This Time Deputy Prime Minister Accused of 'Staff Harassment'

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab to Undergo Independent Investigation Over Two Harassment Allegations
Previously, Gavin Williamson Resigned Amid Allegations of Verbal Abuse and Insults

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] Turmoil continues in UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet. Following the resignation of Gavin Williamson, Minister of State, over allegations of abusive language, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is now under investigation for allegations of bullying staff.

On the 16th (local time), according to The Guardian and others, Prime Minister Sunak approved an independent investigation into two bullying allegations made against Deputy Prime Minister Raab. These issues date back to when Raab served as Foreign Secretary and Justice Secretary in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet. In a media interview, Raab stated, "I am confident I acted professionally," but added, "Upon hearing that two complaints had been made, I requested an independent investigation from Prime Minister Sunak and will fully comply with it."

According to The Guardian, one of the complaints came from a mid-level policy group within the Ministry of Justice. Some media reports included testimonies from civil servants describing Raab as rude, aggressive, and a demanding boss. There were also allegations that in June, while serving as Justice Secretary, Raab threw three tomatoes across the table from a salad because he was displeased with the way staff briefed him. Raab has categorically denied these claims, calling them "nonsense."

Prime Minister Sunak reportedly said that an independent investigation into Raab was the "right course of action," while expressing confidence in him. Upon taking office on the 25th of last month, Sunak declared that his cabinet would demonstrate "integrity, professionalism, and accountability" compared to his predecessors. Because of this, some within the Conservative Party questioned Raab's retention of the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary roles during the investigation. The Guardian reported, "In political circles, there are doubts about the independence of the investigation, with some saying that since Sunak is the final authority on ministerial appointments, he may not be obliged to accept any investigation findings."

This is not the first 'bullying' controversy in Sunak's cabinet. On the 8th, Gavin Williamson resigned amid allegations that he bullied Conservative colleagues and civil servants in the past. Reports surfaced that while serving as Defence Secretary in former Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet, Williamson verbally abused senior Defence officials with phrases like 'cut your throat' and 'jump out the window.'

Additionally, when he was excluded from the guest list for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, he reportedly sent a text message to Wendy Morton, the Chief Whip, calling the situation "disgusting." There were also testimonies that he made sexual jokes and used abusive language toward fellow MPs. In response to these allegations, Williamson said he resigned "to clarify the issues raised and clear my name."

Meanwhile, the main opposition Labour Party criticized the cabinet controversies, wearing 'anti-bullying' badges in Parliament that day. Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said, "Ministry of Justice staff were too scared to enter Deputy Prime Minister Raab's office," and added, "Sunak is too weak to deal with problematic ministers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.