Dominic Raab, the UK’s deputy prime minister, has resigned following an independent investigation into allegations of bullying. In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Raab stated that he had called for the inquiry and had promised to resign if any findings of bullying were made. Sunak initiated the investigation after eight formal complaints were made by 24 staff members who had worked with Raab during his time as justice minister, foreign minister, and Brexit minister.
The investigation was conducted by senior lawyer Adam Tolley, and Raab stated that all but two of the claims made against him had been dismissed. Raab denied ever having sworn or shouted at anyone, thrown anything, or physically intimidated anyone during his time in government. The deputy prime minister apologized for any unintended stress or offense that he may have caused officials.
Raab’s resignation marks the third high-level minister to leave under Sunak’s watch due to allegations of misconduct. Sunak had pledged that his government would be rooted in ethical conduct, with professionalism, integrity, and accountability at every level.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer criticized Raab’s resignation, stating that he should have been sacked rather than allowed to resign. He also called Sunak’s handling of the situation a sign of “continual weakness.”