21 April 2023 , 12:27
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Rishi Sunak has been branded a “coward” for “dithering” over the decision to sack Dominic Raab after he was handed the findings of an independent report into bullying allegations - and we want to know what YOU think.
The Prime Minister received the conclusions of Adam Tolley KC’s investigation into Mr Raab yesterday morning, and decided to postpone his judgement until today. However, the Tory MP dramatically quit his role as deputy Prime Minister this morning, and took a furious swipe at the findings from the bombshell report, describing them as “flawed” and claiming they set a “dangerous precedent”.
The 47-page review investigates the eight formal complaints about his behaviour as Foreign Secretary, Brexit Secretary and during his first stint as Justice Secretary.
The report details how Mr Raab belittled the civil servants and “abused or misused his power in a way that undermines or humiliates”. It also states that he described the work of officials as “utterly useless” and “woeful” while he was Justice Secretary and acted in an “intimidating” manner.
Labour have called out the PM for his “indecision and weakness” by allowing his political ally to quit rather than being fired. Sir Keir Starmer said the situation showed "the continual weakness of the prime minister", adding: "He should never have appointed [Mr Raab] in the first place… and then he didn't sack him.”
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Some Tory MPs are concerned about Sunak’s handling of the row, in the wake of the Nadhim Zahawi tax affair, after he promised “a government of "integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”.
In response to Mr Raab’s resignation, Plaid Cymru Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP, said: “The Prime Minister has shown cowardice by allowing Raab to resign while Parliament wasn’t sitting, rather than taking swift action by sacking him yesterday.”
Mr Sunak said he accepted his deputy's resignation "with great sadness", adding it "should not make us forget your record of delivery in both this government and previous administrations".
Do you think Rishi Sunak is weak for not sacking Dominic Raab over the bullying report? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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