Sunak retains confidence in Raab as third formal complaint filed
The latest claim relates to Dominic Raab’s tenure in the now-defunct Department for Exiting the European Union.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rishi Sunak still has confidence in his deputy after an inquiry into Dominic Raab’s behaviour was expanded to include a third formal complaint lodged against him.
The latest claim relates to Mr Raab’s tenure in the now-defunct Department for Exiting the European Union, Downing Street said.
It will be considered alongside two other formal complaints against the senior minister concerning his prior stints at the Ministry of Justice and the Foreign Office.
No 10 said it is understood the most recent allegation was received by the Cabinet Office on Wednesday.
Mr Sunak asked for the scope of the inquiry to be updated on Thursday night, having received the “requisite advice” from the department.
Rishi Sunak must confirm he will sack Raab if these complaints are upheld
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that the Prime Minister has now asked the investigator to add a further formal complaint relating to conduct at the Department for Exiting the European Union and to establish the facts in line with the existing terms of reference.”
Asked if Mr Sunak still had confidence in Mr Raab, she said: “Yes, he does.
“There’s now an independent investigation that’s ongoing. It’s led by someone with extensive experience in this area. We’re not going to pre-empt or pre-judge that process.”
It comes after a source confirmed on Thursday that multiple senior officials who worked closely with Mr Raab were preparing to submit further formal complaints, as first reported by Newsnight.
The allegations, if lodged, could be included in the investigation being carried by senior lawyer Adam Tolley KC.
Mr Raab requested the independent inquiry last week after two bullying complaints were lodged against him.
The Lib Dems have warned the “flood of allegations” about Mr Raab’s behaviour cannot be “swept under the carpet”.
The party’s chief whip, Wendy Chamberlain, said: “Rishi Sunak must confirm he will sack Raab if these complaints are upheld.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.