UK PM Sunak reviewing Dominic Raab bullying report

LONDON : United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering the findings of an independent report into allegations of bullying against Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Sunak's spokesperson said here on Thursday. The review was requested by Raab last November following formal complaints about his bullying behavior when dealing with civil servants. Sunak appointed senior employment lawyer Adam Tolley to lead an independent investigation.

"The prime minister is carefully considering the findings of the report," the spokesperson told reporters, without disclosing when it would be published.  Raab, who also serves as the UK's secretary of state for justice, said he was confident that he had "behaved professionally at all times" and that he would resign if the bullying allegations against him are upheld.

 After assuming the post of prime minister last October, Sunak vowed to lead a government of "integrity, professionalism, and accountability" as the chaotic period under his two predecessors -- the scandal-hit Boris Johnson and the short-lived tenure of Liz Truss amid economic turbulence -- damaged the reputation of the ruling Conservative Party and cast a cloud over its prospects in the next general elections. The drama centering around Raab's behavior followed the resignation of Gavin Williamson, a member of Sunak's cabinet, in November over bullying claims and Sunak's sacking of Tory Party Chair Nadhim Zahawi for a "serious breach" of ministerial code amid a multimillion-dollar tax dispute.

Sunak himself is also facing an investigation by a parliamentary watchdog over whether he properly declared his wife's shares in a childcare agency that would benefit from policy changes in his administration's budget.