British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raabannounced this Friday (21.04.2023) his resignation after an independent report determined that he had harassed officials at work during his time in various ministerial portfolios, in a strong setback for the prime minister Sunak Receiptamong whom he was a close ally.

“I am writing to resign from your government,” wrote Raab, also the justice minister, in a letter to Sunak, also posted on Twitter. “I asked for this investigation and I promise to resign if I ever commit any act of harassment, whatever it may be. I think it’s important to respect my words,” he added, although he insisted he had never committed the abuse he was accused of.

The investigation, the report of which was prepared by attorney Adam Tolley, began after eight complaints about his behavior while he was secretary of state and during his previous stint at the Department of Justice. Raab has always denied the accusations, which have drawn widespread criticism from the opposition.

This will encourage “false complaints”

The report, which was presented to the prime minister on Thursday and has not yet been made public “rejects all but two complaints,” the minister said in his letter. In his opinion, apart from that, both of the accusations received were “incorrect”, and he defended ministers’ authority to give “direct critical answers” to their subordinates.

For Raab, “by setting the standard for harassment so low, this inquiry sets a dangerous precedent”, as it will encourage “false complaints against ministers” and will have a devastating effect on “those pushing for change”. Sunak is now expected to carry out a minor ministerial reshuffle, while doubts remain whether he was aware of the grievances against his allies before reinstating him as head of Justice on Oct. 25.

DZC (AFP, EFE)