Suspend Raab, say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have called on Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab to be suspended, following reports which have emerged alleging that at least 24 civil servants have complained about his conduct. 

In November 2022, Rishi Sunak opened a formal investigation into Dominic Raab after formal complaints were made by officials about his conduct in the workplace. Now, reports have alleged that the number of complainants is potentially as many as 30 individuals. 

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain has written to the Prime Minister, calling for Raab to be suspended for the duration of the investigation into his conduct, given the reported scale of complaints against him.

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain commented:

“The reported scale of the allegations against Dominic Raab raises real questions for Rishi Sunak. Why hasn’t the Prime Minister suspended Raab yet, for the duration of this inquiry? 

“Rishi Sunak promised to govern with integrity but I’m afraid his track record so far is the opposite. Scandal after scandal continues to emerge about various members of the Cabinet, yet Sunak is incapable of doing the right thing and taking decisive action.

“From Zahawi to Raab, from Braverman to Williamson, the British public are fed up with Conservative sleaze which sadly appears to have taken root at the very heart of government.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The letter from Wendy Chamberlain to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is as follows:

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing regarding the investigation into the conduct of the Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab. 

As you will be aware, the investigation into Raab’s conduct was initially opened late last year after formal complaints were made by officials. Since then, it was reported in December that a further string of formal complaints had been made against Raab. At the time it was reported that eight incidents were under investigation. 

Recent reports have newly alleged that the scope of the investigation has now widened significantly. According to The Guardian, at least 24 civil servants - and potentially as many as thirty - are complainants about Raab’s behaviour. I hope you will agree that these reports are very concerning. 

You had previously decided that Dominic Raab should remain in post during the inquiry. These latest revelations have called that decision into question. These are worrying allegations about Raab’s behaviour in the workplace, of significant scope and severity. It is surely in the best interest of the civil servants working in the Ministry of Justice - many of whom have apparently submitted formal complaints against Raab - for Dominic Raab to be suspended for the duration of this inquiry. I urge you to do the right thing.

Furthermore, when these revelations about Raab emerged in the press last year, the ethics adviser post was vacant. You, therefore, appointed Adam Tolley KC to carry out the investigation. Can you confirm that this is still the case, following the appointment of Sir Laurie Magnus as ethics adviser? What powers do you have over what is published following the investigation? 

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Chamberlain

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip