Dominic Raab bullying report has led to 'complete breakdown in trust between ministers and civil servants'

The investigation into claims former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab bullied staff has led to a "complete breakdown" in trust between ministers and civil servants, a thinktank has said. Alex Thomas, programme director at the Institute for Government, said the inquiry has exposed "deep flaws" in the process for handling poor ministerial behaviour and that raising a complaint is still seen as "a sure-fire way to end a civil service career".

In the aftermath of his resignation, Mr Raab launched a tirade against "activist civil servants" who he argued had the ability to stand in the way of ministers' democratic mandate by making complaints about ministers charged with implementing changes. He added the inquiry had set a "dangerous precedent" by setting a "low" threshold for bullying, which he said will "encourage spurious complaints".

'A systemic problem'

Reacting to the report published by independent investigator Adam Tolley KC, Mr Thomas said: "(The) system can only function if there is a high level of trust between politicians and the officials who serve them."The Raab mess has meant a complete breakdown, with leaks and acrimony amongst all parties, ending a ministerial career and leaving officials disillusioned and in some cases traumatised."