“In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent”
I’ve not seen the report yet, but what can be inferred from Raab’s resignation letter:
“…I called for the inquiry and undertook to resign if it made any finding of bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word.” Raab seeks higher ground – I am an honorable man
…I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a Minister in a range of roles and departments since 2015, and pay tribute to the many outstanding civil servants with whom I have worked.” Some of the civil servants I’ve worked with were up to the mark; those who complained obviously weren’t.
“Whilst I feel duty bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims levelled against me.” I accept the parts of the report that dismiss the majority of the claims.
“I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government. First, Ministers must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people, otherwise, the democratic and constitutional principle of Ministerial responsibility will be lost. This was particularly true during my time as Foreign Secretary, in the context of the Brexit negotiations over Gibraltar, when a senior diplomat breached the mandate agreed by Cabinet.” Ministers should be able to discipline their civil servants as they see fit.
“Second, Ministers must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials, in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us. Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds.” What the minister considers reasonable bounds – my ministry my rules!
“Mr Tolley concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone, let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimidated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone.” I’m not stupid -there wasn’t any hard evidence
“I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offence that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice. That is, however, what the public expect of Ministers working on their behalf” I’m sorry they weren’t up to the job
“In setting the threshold for bullying so low, this inquiry has set a dangerous precedent. It will encourage spurious complaints against Ministers, and have a chilling effect on those driving change on behalf of your government – and ultimately the British people.” This is the worse comment; it reminds me of all the warnings given when changes in behaviours have been demanded in the past – sexual harassment comes to mind not that Raab has been accused of sexual harassment. Remember when Weinstein was exposed some male bosses started to whine that women would bring spurious complaints.
“Finally, I raised with you a number of improprieties that came to light during the course of this inquiry. They include the systematic leaking of skewed and fabricated claims to the media in breach of the rules of the inquiry and the Civil Service Code of Conduct” Seeing how Priti Patel got away with it they leaked; how dare they – I demand they are sacked. After which I should be exonerated.
It’s the arrogance – Raab is shameless – I think it’s the calibre of ministers that’s been set so low. I bet the prime minister had to threaten to sack Raab to get him to resign – that’s the reason for the delay.
#RaabResigns #DominicRaab
