Jacob Rees-Mogg has been accused of downplaying bullying allegations towards Dominic Raab by saying “we mustn’t be too snowflakey” in regards to the claims.

Talking the day after it was reported {that a} everlasting secretary has given proof to the inquiry into complaints towards the justice secretary, the previous Cupboard Workplace minister mentioned bullying claims towards ministers had been often “not a simple difficulty”.

Employment barrister Adam Tolley KC is at the moment investigating a sequence of complaints in regards to the justice secretary’s behaviour. The complaints adopted a slew of reviews in regards to the deputy prime minister’s behaviour – together with claims that he “created a tradition of concern” on the MoJ.

However Rees-Mogg instructed Sky Information this morning: “We have now to be barely cautious across the bullying allegations but in addition we mustn’t be too snowflakey about it.”

“Folks want to have the ability to say ‘this job has not been achieved nicely sufficient and must be achieved higher’,” the previous authorities effectivity minister added – echoing feedback by Raab, who has mentioned he’s “at all times conscious” of his behaviour however makes “no apologies for having excessive requirements”.

The backbencher was responding to a query in regards to the bullying allegations made towards Raab and Gavin Williamson, who resigned as a minister final yr after he was accused of getting instructed a civil servant to “slit your throat” and “bounce out of the window” throughout his time as defence secretary.

Rees-Mogg continued: “It’s a really troublesome line to evaluate. It’s not a simple difficulty generally. It’s ‘how did somebody react, what did anyone say? Is it cheap to demand from senior and well-paid professionals a stage of excellent service?’ After which it’s a must to decide whether or not that line has been overstepped.

“However I do fear that we’re getting a bit snowflakey about this.”

Dave Penman, normal secretary of the FDA union, mentioned the remark was “outrageous”.

“A former chief of the home, trivialising bullying that we all know has ruined lives and careers,” he mentioned. “Not solely ought to he be ashamed of himself, however his chief and social gathering ought to distance themselves from this.”

The Liberal Democrats have at the moment known as on the prime minister to droop Raab whereas the investigation is performed. In a letter to Rishi Sunak, chief whip Wendy Chamberlain cited a report within the Guardian saying a minimum of 24 civil servants had complained about his behaviour, which she mentioned was “very regarding”.

Responding to her feedback, Rees-Mogg mentioned it’s “utterly smart” for Raab to remain “totally in publish whereas the investigation takes place after which the prime minister makes a judgement as as to if or not these allegations are severe or not”.

Rees-Mogg’s feedback come after BBC Information reported {that a} perm sec has offered proof to Tolley, who Rishi Sunak appointed to analyze complaints about Raab’s behaviour final yr.

The prime minister introduced the investigation after civil servants submitted two formal complaints alleging bullying by Raab – one from his time on the Ministry of Justice and one from his earlier function as international secretary. Plenty of different complaints have since been submitted.

The Occasions has reported that the highest official who has given proof is Simon McDonald, who held the highest job on the International Workplace whereas Raab was its secretary of state.

McDonald instructed Occasions Radio final yr that workers working for Raab had been “scared to enter his workplace”, and “felt demeaned” by him. He mentioned he hoped the reviews would immediate the prime minister and cupboard secretary Simon Case to “look once more at bullying complaints procedures for the highest of presidency”.

He additionally instructed LBC that Raab had been a “robust boss”, and that he thought of it believable that the minister might bully workers.

Raab has mentioned he has “by no means tolerated bullying” and that he’ll “cooperate totally” with the investigation.