Dominic Raab faced a grilling from Angela Rayner on bullying allegations against him as he deputised for Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Mr Sunak, in Indonesia at the G20 summit, has so far stood by Mr Raab, who was thrust into the spotlight as he faced the Labour deputy leader at the despatch box.
The deputy PM was immediately asked by an opposition MP whether it is right for MPs to continue serving while facing such allegations.
Responding, Mr Raab said: “I am confident I have behaved professionally throughout but immediately I heard two complaints had been made...I asked the Prime Minister to set up an independent investigation, and of course I will comply with it fully.”
Ms Rayner accused Mr Sunak of being “too weak to get a grip” after Mr Raab revealed he had asked the PM to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints against him.
She said: “Let me get this straight. He has had to demand an investigation into himself because the Prime Minister is too weak to get a grip.” Mr Raab replied he was “happy to address any specific point she wishes to make”.
The Prime Minister has agreed to his request for an independent investigation, saying: “Integrity, professionalism and accountability are core values of this Government. It is right that these matters are investigated fully.”
