Sunak has Raab’s fate in his hands

After a five-month investigation Adam Tolley KC has today given Downing Street his report into the bullying claims against Dominic Raab. Rishi Sunak is now considering its findings before deciding whether Raab broke ministerial rules. However, Raab has some time to wait – with a Downing Street source suggesting that there will be no further developments tonight.

It comes after Raab received eight formal complaints about his behaviour as a minister in several government departments; Tolley’s report is based on evidence he took from dozens of officials involved in these. The Justice Secretary continues to deny that he has bullied staff, insisting that he always ‘behaved professionally.’

A difficult decision now awaits Sunak. Raab is one of the Prime Minister’s closest allies; someone who backed him vocally in both leadership contests last year. Liz Truss sent him to political Siberia for that in September; Sunak recalled him from there in October, restoring him as Lord Chancellor and his deputy. This was despite the public allegations against Raab at the time of his reappointment. Sunak values loyalty but may feel he has no choice in this case.

Two ministers have so far been forced out of his government: Gavin Williamson and Nadhim Zahawi. Williamson was an ally of Sunak while Zahawi preferred to back Truss and then Johnson in last year’s contests. In the former case, the Prime Minister was reluctant to act over bullying claims; in the latter he acted swiftly. With Zahawi, an investigation found there was a clear breach of the ministerial code; if Tooley’s report is similarly damning then most Tories would expect a similar fate for Raab. If he doesn’t then there is a risk that Sunak leaves himself open to the charge of favouritism and double standards.

Elsewhere in government, the Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan is expecting to begin her ten weeks’ maternity leave next week. If Raab does go there could be a mini-reshuffle to tide the government over until the autumn months.