Britain's Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab arrived at 10 Downing Street in central London on February 27, 2023. - The prospect of a deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland appeared tantalizingly close Sunday as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met in the UK "for final talks."
Another political headache for Rishi Sunak's administration came Friday, April 21, when UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab quit after bullying claims.
The Bullying Scandal
The independent inquiry and report found that Raab, 49, had abused his colleagues and civil workers while in a high position, leading to his resignation. Raab came to prominence while Boris Johnson was prime minister.
Raab stated in his twitted resignation letter, "I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry," adding that he was "genuinely sorry." He had earlier said that he would step down if the investigation confirmed the bullying allegations against him.
The probe, however, was slammed by him for "setting the threshold for bullying so low." He expressed concern that it would set a bad example and inspire frivolous lawsuits
In the assessment released on Friday by an outside organization, his actions have sometimes been intimidating and "involved an abuse or misuse of power in a way that undermines or humiliates."
Attorney Adam Tolley, who conducted the investigation, claimed he talked with 66 persons who gave him their information freely. People "deserve credit for their courage in coming forward," he added. Tolley said that he had interviewed Raab four times for the article.
According to The Washington Post, Raab's departure comes after the recent resignations of two other cabinet members, also tied to controversy.
Nadhim Zahawi, the head of the Conservative Party, was removed from his position in January after an ethical investigation into his handling of his personal finances, while Gavin Williamson, a secretary of state, resigned in November 2022 following claims of bullying.
It is anticipated that a cabinet reshuffle will occur in the coming weeks as a result of Raab's departure.
Amid Sunak's Reign
In the heated discussion over whether or not Britain should exit the European Union, Raab came to reputation among a group of young legislators, as noted by The New York Times.
He co-wrote the book Britannia Unchained, which proposed that after Brexit, the UK would become a tax haven for entrepreneurs and a place where businesses could operate with little oversight.
During Sunak's administration, Raab held the positions of deputy prime minister and minister of justice. He was Sunak's close political friend and supported his leadership candidacy last year. He has served as foreign minister and minister for Brexit.
In a letter, Sunak expressed his "great sadness" at Raab's departure and lauded his accomplishments in office.
But Keir Starmer, head of the opposition Labour Party, told reporters on Friday that Raab's leaving demonstrated the "continual weakness" of a Sunak administration.
