Gavin Williamson could face THREE bullying probes as No10 warns new claims ‘serious’
Shamed Gavin Williamson could soon be undergoing THREE bullying probes at once after “serious” new allegations – yet Rishi Sunak is keeping him in his Cabinet job.
The Cabinet minister has already been referred to the Conservative Party and to Parliament’s independent bullying watchdog over a sweary WhatsApp rant he sent to ex-Chief Whip Wendy Morton.
But he is not yet being investigated over claims he told a civil servant to “slit your throat” when he was Defence Secretary.
He allegedly told the official to “jump out of the window” on another occasion, according to The Guardian. He denies bullying, saying “I strongly reject this allegation”.
It’s understood the Propriety and Ethics team in the Cabinet Office – which looks at ministerial wrongdoing – is likely to launch an investigation into the fresh claims if a formal complaint is made.
The PM’s official spokesman said the new allegations were “serious”, adding: “We have teams in the Cabinet Office who are able to look at issues if required.
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“I’m not saying that is necessarily the case in this instance, but as these are new allegations, we will want to consider what is appropriate.”
Yet bizarrely, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said he had “full confidence” in Gavin Williamson – and the shamed Tory attended this morning’s Cabinet meeting.
It’s not known when the pair will have a one-on-one meeting.
Talks about how to deal with the latest allegations are still under way and there is also still no independent ministerial ethics advisor.
The Ministerial Code says: “Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect”.
The No10 spokesman said: “I’m not aware of any formal complaints currently about his conduct, but we are checking due process before commenting further.”
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Sir Gavin faces fresh allegations that he told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat” in front of colleagues during a meeting when he was Defence Secretary.
On another occasion he allegedly told the official to “jump out of the window”, according to The Guardian.
Sir Gavin “strongly” rejects the claim and said no specific complaints had ever been brought to his attention.
But it’s understood Sir Gavin is not denying saying the words themselves, even though he does deny bullying.
Asked if there were any other outstanding complaints against Mr Williamson before Rishi Sunak put him in Cabinet, the PM’s spokesman replied: “Not that I’m aware of”.
Asked what Sir Gavin’s actual job was, No10 replied: “Cabinet Office are setting out his roles and responsibilities as we speak”.
It will include working on the GREAT campaign promoting Britain abroad.
Labour MP Angela Eagle said: “When is the PM going to appoint the independent advisor in the Ministerial Code? He obviously needs to & fast.”
Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds said: “The lack of faith in the Conservative Party complaints process shows how rotten the culture at the heart of this party goes – and the buck stops with Rishi Sunak.
“He was warned about Gavin Williamson’s behaviour and appointed him anyway.
“He has done grubby deal after grubby deal to become Prime Minister and now must take responsibility and stop putting party management before national interest.”
In a statement after the fresh claims, Sir Gavin said: “I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government.
“No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention.”
Rishi Sunak’s ally Mel Stride suggested Sir Gavin will still be in post by Christmas – as any process “will take some time and we’ve got to wait to see what comes out of that”.
Mr Stride said that no minister was “un-sackable” but spoke of an “aura or mystique around” Sir Gavin.
The Work and Pensions Secretary defended Mr Williamson by saying his pet tarantula “never actually was released to bite anybody”.
A Conservative spokesman: “The Conservative Party has a robust complaints process in place.
“This process is rightly a confidential one, so that complainants can come forward in confidence.”
Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme does not confirm whether probes are taking place to protect confidentiality of all parties.