DOWNING Street was reportedly told of written complaints against deputy prime minister Dominic Raab when Rishi Sunak brought him back into government.
According to The Sunday Times, multiple sources claimed that civil servants working in the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team (Pet) informed No 10 two months ago, as Sunak was appointing his cabinet, of the complaints relating to Raab’s conduct towards staff.
Although these weren’t technically formal complaints, the officials are also said to have made clear that several had been made in writing.
In spite of the warnings, Raab was appointed by Sunak and returned to government as Justice Secretary and deputy PM.
READ MORE: Ian Blackford opens up on his five years as the SNP Westminster leader
Sunak and No 10 have previously said that the Prime Minister was unaware of any formal complaints and that none existed at the time Raab was appointed.
The PM has previously said he “did not recognise that characterisation” of his deputy following the bullying allegations.
The Sunday Times reports that Downing Street did not deny that Pet had flagged the existence of informal complaints against Raab.
A spokesman said: “As we have said before, the PM had all the necessary information to make the appointment.”
Raab is the subject of three formal complaints relating to his conduct towards staff in various Cabinet roles.
He has said he behaved “professionally at all times” and that he will “thoroughly rebut and refute” all the allegations against him.
Pet’s function is to support the prime minister and cabinet secretary when they need to take decisions about complaints or concerns regarding people’s behaviour.
During a reshuffle, it usually notifies No 10 about prospective ministers and asked to check for any potential concerns.
However, it does not have the power to block appointments should a prime minister decide to appoint someone to the Cabinet anyway.
It was reported that staff in the Ministry of Justice had been offered the option of transferring to other roles and that several accused Raab of “demeaning”, “bullying” and “belittling” behaviour towards them.
READ MORE: Scotland undertaking ‘proto-diplomacy’ efforts to pave way after indy
On October 14, Sunak said: “I’m not aware of any formal complaints about him”.
The Sunday Times was also told that at some point after that comment was made, No 10 was against contacted by officials in Pet and reminded they had flagged complaints which had been made about Raab.
This was denied by Downing Street. The formal complaints have led to Sunak commissioning an independent investigation at Raab’s request.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article