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Come forward if you were bullied by Dominic Raab, civil servants told

Dominic Raab sits alongside Rishi Sunak in Prime Minister's Questions, as his boss faces questions about accusations that the Justice Secretary has bullied staff - House of Commons/PA
Dominic Raab sits alongside Rishi Sunak in Prime Minister's Questions, as his boss faces questions about accusations that the Justice Secretary has bullied staff - House of Commons/PA

Downing Street has encouraged officials with concerns about Dominic Raab’s behaviour as a boss to get in touch with the investigator looking into allegations of bullying.

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister was pressed over his handling of claims against Mr Raab, the Justice Secretary, in Wednesday's Prime Minister’s Questions.

Claims about the Deputy Prime Minister’s conduct are being looked at by Adam Tolley KC. There have been concerns about whether all potential whistleblowers will engage with the process.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Absolutely anyone with concerns should come forward and speak to Adam Tolley. And, as I say, there are established processes by which they can do that.”

It came as Dave Penman, leader of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, said Mr Raab should be suspended to protect staff members while the investigation is conducted.

Mr Penman said in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: "If that was any other employee, if that was a permanent secretary in the Civil Service, they would in all likelihood be suspended from their job while the investigation took place

"That's not to prejudge the investigation, that's to say if there are serious allegations of bullying and extensive allegations like this, that one of the considerations is how do you protect employees from that sort of behaviour?

"While it's being determined you would normally suspend someone, given the seriousness and extent of those accusations."

The suggestion was rejected by the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, who argued that it is important the investigation is completed.

Downing Street also pointedly did not deny that Mr Sunak was aware of informal claims about Mr Raab’s behaviour when giving him a Cabinet role in October.

Mr Raab’s press secretary said: "The PM was not aware of any formal complaints at the time of appointing Dominic Raab." No denial was made about informal complaints.

Mr Raab has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying in the House of Commons in November: “I am confident that I have behaved professionally throughout.”

At Prime Minister’s Questions Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, quoted anonymous allegations against Mr Raab from recent press reports and accused the Prime Minister of being “too weak to do anything about it”.

Mr Sunak said: "When I was made aware of formal complaints, I appointed a leading independent KC to conduct an investigation, because I take action when these things happen."

When asked by Sky News on Wednesday as he left Downing Street whether he was going to resign, Mr Raab said: “No.”

His spokesman also rejected press speculation he could resign before the investigation is completed.