Britain: Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab’s resignation also puts pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

The minister is stepping down following an independent investigation into allegations of bullying. Conservatives are threatened with a lesson in local elections.

04/21/2023| Update: 04/21/2023 – 12:52 pm | by Torsten Rieke

London When Rishi Sunak moved into 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister in late October 2022, he promised “integrity, professionalism or accountability”. That promise is now reaching the British prime minister after Dominic Raab, his deputy, became the third member of Sunak’s team to resign in six months.

“Rishi Sunak was personally warned of Dominic Raab’s conduct but showed appalling judgment in his decision to appoint him,” Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, attacked the prime minister head-on. He didn’t deliver the integrity he promised.

Sunak apparently no longer wanted to support his close confidant and party friend: Raab had pledged to step down if the report found any kind of intimidation, the head of government said. “You have kept your word,” wrote Sunak to Raab, though he acknowledged that “there were flaws in the historical process” from which all must learn.

Raab is a close ally of Sunak and has made a significant contribution to Sunak becoming the new leader of the party and government after Liz Truss resigned last fall.

Investigation accuses Raab of abuse of power

The 48-page investigative report said Raab’s conduct amounted to “abuse of power in a way that harms or humiliates”. The minister must have “come out of that effect”.

The Deputy Prime Minister came under enormous pressure in November 2022 after senior government officials accused him of unacceptable treatment of officials. With his “aggressive leadership behavior”, Raab created a “culture of fear” in his environment.

The minister denies all “bullying allegations” and sharply criticized the investigation’s findings: “By setting such a low threshold for bullying, this investigation has set a dangerous precedent,” wrote Raab.

The resignation comes at the worst possible time for Sunak and his Conservative Party. In less than two weeks there will be local elections in England, which are considered to be an important mood test for next year’s general election. Polls predict the Conservatives will lose up to 1,000 seats.