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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to have privately warned Dominic Raab about his conduct when the latter held various cabinet posts under Johnson. According to the Daily Telegraph, which revealed for the first time that Johnson was involved in the investigation into the harassment of his former cabinet colleague, it is "highly unusual" for a former prime minister to be involved in an inquiry launched by Downing Street. Spokesmen for Johnson and Raab declined to comment on the matter with The Telegraph, The Times and the BBC.
A week has passed since Tolley questioned Raab, indicating that the official investigation may be drawing to a close.
Several sources with knowledge of the investigation told the PA news agency that the deputy prime minister was questioned by the lead lawyer.
Dozens of witnesses, including senior department officials, reportedly spoke about the investigation, which could determine Mr. Raab's political fate.
It was not known how many times he had been interrogated or when.
Raab denied bullying, insisting he had "conducted himself professionally at all times", but said he would resign if an allegation of bullying was upheld.
During the investigation, Mr. Tolley is expected to present the allegations to Mr. Raab before finalizing his report.
Rishi Sunak resisted calls to suspend his deputy during the investigation, including from former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry, the Labor Party and the FDA union, which represents senior civil servants.
If the investigation is overwhelming, Sunak will again face questions about what he knew of the allegations before bringing Raab back to cabinet.
Downing Street only ruled out that the prime minister was aware of the "official complaints" but sources say he was briefed on his ally's behaviour.
The eight formal complaints relate to Raab's tenures as foreign secretary, Brexit secretary and during his first term as justice secretary.
Raab ordered the investigation in November after being pressured by numerous accusations, including that he was so humiliating to his younger colleagues that many were "afraid" to enter his office.
PA files
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