New problems for Sunak: British Deputy Prime Minister Raab resigns

The Conservative British government party is not resting.

Less than two weeks before local elections in much of England, Dominic Raab, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s deputy, has resigned over allegations of bullying.

The Brexit hardliner Raab last held the position of Minister of Justice in addition to the role of Deputy Prime Minister. With his resignation, he responded on Friday to the results of an investigation report into his behavior at various ministerial posts in recent years. Former Defense Secretary Alex Chalk will now head the Justice Department. Deputy Prime Minister becomes Secretary of State Oliver Dowden.

The report partially confirmed the allegations against Raab. Among other things, he would have harshly reprimanded employees or even announced consequences if he was not satisfied with their work or the answers to his questions. All in all, he would have great mistrust of his employees, whom he suspected of wanting to sabotage his reform plans.

Raab clearly expresses his frustration

Raab didn’t come across as bright in his letter of resignation. Of several allegations, only two were recognized as well-founded, he defended himself. However, these are very accessible and thus set a “dangerous precedent”.

The reviewer found that “not once in four and a half years have anyone been insulted or yelled at, thrown objects or otherwise physically intimidated or deliberately humiliated,” Raab wrote. In a guest article that also appeared in the newspaper “De Telegraaf” on Friday, he described the approach to the allegations of bullying as “Kafkaesque”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ordered the investigation after allegations from former Raab associates came to light. The head of government regretted the resignation in a reaction, but described it as correct. Raab was once considered a close ally of Sunak. However, the cool tone of his letter of resignation was interpreted as a sign of a break with the prime minister.

The Tories are trailing in the polls

The Tory Party is trailing the opposition Labor party in nationwide polls ahead of next year’s general election. Should she do poorly in upcoming local elections across much of England on May 4, that could put additional pressure on Sunak.

Sunak himself faces an investigation into whether he has violated the code of conduct for MPs. He is accused of failing to report a financial conflict of interest. It concerns shares of his wife, Akshata Murty, in a government-backed child care company. (oee/sda/dpa)