Dominic Raab believes he didn't breach ministerial code, ITV News understands
Dominic Raab denies all the allegations and has said previously he'll resign if he's found guilty, as Political Editor Robert Peston reports
The Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has read a report into bullying complaints made against him and doesn't believe he breached the ministerial code, ITV News understands.
Mr Raab's political future is in the prime minister's hands, as Rishi Sunak deliberates over a finished report into allegations made against his deputy.
Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak had been handed the report by Adam Tolley KC on Thursday morning, and is now "carefully considering" its findings.
The prime minister's official spokesperson said Mr Sunak would want a decision to be made "swiftly", however ITV News understands this will not be on Thursday as first expected.
It is believed Mr Raab is refusing to offer the prime minister his resignation, which he assured he would do if found guilty of bullying.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner accused the government of "delaying" and "dithering" over the report's publication.
The investigation had been requested by Mr Raab in November last year after two official complaints about his behaviour were made. Mr Tolley's independent inquiry addressed eight formal allegations, with at least 24 government officials understood to have been involved. They cover Mr Raab's time in the Ministry of Justice, Foreign Office, and from his time as Brexit secretary. Ms Rayner suggested Mr Sunak was trying to "summon up the guts to sack his own deputy," while "working people are battling the worst cost of living crisis for a generation - food bills and mortgage rates are rising, wages are stagnating, and too many of us are waiting months and even years for health treatment."
On Thursday morning the prime minister's official spokesperson said Mr Sunak was "carefully considering the findings of the report before coming to a judgement".
He added a resolution will be sought "as swiftly as possible".
Mr Sunak previously maintained he has "full confidence" in Mr Raab, who is also justice secretary. Downing Street insisted this "still stands" as the prime minister deliberates over his judgement.
The fate of Mr Raab as both deputy prime minister and justice secretary now hangs in the balance, with the final decision lying solely with Mr Sunak.
The independent investigation carried out by Mr Tolley was instructed to consolidate a series of findings as opposed to a final judgement on Mr Raab's behaviour.
Sir Laurie Magnus, Mr Sunak's ethics adviser, is not obliged to consult with the prime minister on the verdict, but he could be consulted.
Mr Raab has always defended himself against bullying allegations, insisting he has always behaved professionally and has always got on with civil servants.
He also confirmed he would resign from his roles if found guilty of bullying.
It is understood Mr Raab has read Mr Tolley's concluded report and doesn't believe he has breached the ministerial code.
If Mr Sunak now reaches a guilty verdict, it will require a cabinet re-shuffle in order to find Mr Raab's replacement.
Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union that represents senior civil servants, including complainants who have levelled allegations against Mr Raab, also called the delay a “farce”.
“Imagine being a civil servant who has been brave enough to raise a complaint against the Deputy Prime Minister, sitting in a government department and you’re watching this farce play out live on television, not knowing what your fate is going to be about the complaints you have raised,” Mr Penman said.
“No-one knows what is going to happen now, there are no rules associated with any investigation, there are no rights for anyone who raises a complaint.”
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