Angela Rayner and Dominic Raab will go head to head later on at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) that is likely to be overshadowed by the Deputy Prime Minister’s request for an independent investigation into two formal complaints made against him.
Mr Raab faces fresh questions over his conduct towards junior colleagues as he prepares to stand in for Rishi Sunak at PMQs.
The deputy PM is stepping in for Mr Sunak, who is at the G20 summit in Indonesia.
While, as is accustomed when the PM is away, the opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has handed the reigns onto Ms Rayner for the questioning.
Raab said he had “written to the Prime Minister to request an independent investigation into two formal complaints that have been made against me”.
Dominic Raab
House of Commons
He tweeted on Wednesday: “I look forward to addressing these complaints, and continuing to serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary, and Lord Chancellor.”
Top Ministry of Justice officials have now reportedly ruled there must be a senior civil servant in the room at all meetings involving Mr Raab due to the recent allegations about his conduct, according to The Guardian.
Mr Sunak has agreed with Mr Raab’s request for an independent investigation into his conduct.
In his response to the deputy prime minister, he said: “I thank you for your letter and the recommendation that the two formal complaints against you in previous roles are investigated independently.
“I know that you will be keen to address the complaints made against you and agree that proceeding in this way is the right course of action.
“Integrity, professionalism and accountability are core values of this Government. It is right that these matters are investigated fully.”
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner had previously demanded an independent investigation into Mr Raab.
House of Commons
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner had previously demanded an independent investigation into Mr Raab.
“Rishi Sunak clearly knew about Dominic Raab’s reputation when he reappointed him to his Cabinet,” she said.
She also accused the Prime Minister of failing to “fill the ethical void at the heart of Downing Street” by appointing a new independent adviser on ministers’ interests.