Rishi Sunak has mentioned it’s “absolutely right” that Sir Gavin Williamson resigned and admitted he has “regret” over appointing him as a cupboard minister in mild of the allegations he’s dealing with.
The prime minister insisted he “did not know about any of the specific concerns” regarding Sir Gavin’s alleged “unacceptable” behaviour in his former positions.
His feedback got here after Sir Keir Starmer probed the prime minister on the allegation that Sir Gavin advised a civil servant to slit their throat.
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“How does the prime minister think the victim of that bullying felt when he expressed great sadness at his resignation?” the Labour chief requested.
Mr Sunak replied: “Unequivocally, the behaviour complained of was unacceptable and it is absolutely right, it is absolutely right, that the right honourable gentleman has resigned.
“For the report, I didn’t find out about any of the precise issues regarding his conduct as secretary of state or chief whip, which date again some years.
“I believe that people in public life should treat others with consideration and respect, and those are the principles that this government will stand by.”
Sir Keir later referred to Sir Gavin as “a sad middle manager getting off on intimidating those beneath him” and a “cartoon bully with a pet spider”.
Calling the prime minister “so weak” for not eradicating Sir Gavin from his put up, the Labour chief continued: “What message does he think it sends when rather than take on the bullies, he lines up alongside and thanks them for their loyalty?” Sir Keir mentioned.
Mr Sunak replied: “I obviously regret appointing someone who has had to resign in these circumstances but I think what the British people would like to know is that when situations like this arise that they will be dealt with properly.
“And that is why it’s completely proper that he resigned and it is why it’s completely proper that there’s an investigation to look into these issues correctly. I mentioned my authorities will likely be characterised by integrity, professionalism, and accountability and it’ll.”
Sir Gavin’s departure on Tuesday night got here shortly after an ex-civil servant – who claimed the MP advised them to “slit your throat” – made a proper grievance.
A Number 10 supply advised Sky News it was Sir Gavin’s choice to resign following additional allegations being made in opposition to him.
He is known to have spoken to the PM within the early night to supply his resignation.
In his resignation letter, the previous cupboard minister vowed to clear his title of wrongdoing – and mentioned he “refutes the characterisation of these claims”.
“I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing,” Sir Gavin wrote to Mr Sunak.
Accepting the resignation “with great sadness”, Mr Sunak advised Sir Gavin: “I would like to thank you for your personal support and loyalty.”
Read extra:
Gavin Williamson quits after formal grievance over ‘slit your throat’ comment
Sir Gavin – who had already been sacked by Theresa May and Boris Johnson – has additionally been accused of sending expletive-laden messages to former chief whip Wendy Morton the place he complained about being refused an invite to the Queen’s funeral.
He was additionally the topic of claims he bullied a former official on the Ministry of Defence and engaged in “unethical and immoral” behaviour whereas he was chief whip.
Late final night time, Sir Gavin mentioned he wouldn’t be taking severance pay, tweeting: “This is taxpayers’ money and it should go instead toward the government’s priorities like reducing the NHS’s waiting lists.”
Senior Tory MPs have alleged to Sky News that Sir Gavin “has been bullying for most of his career” and that his behaviour has “always been well known”.
One senior Tory MP, who was in cupboard with Sir Gavin, advised Sky News: “He’s a bully, no two ways about it, it’s well known, it’s always been well known.
“His solely expertise is bullying. It was a mistake for Rishi to provide him a job.”
The senior MP also claimed Sir Gavin, who was chief whip under Mrs May, “modelled his whipping type” on US drama House of Cards.
Another senior Tory MP was even more disparaging of Sir Gavin, calling him “an absolute little sh***” who “ought to by no means have been allowed in authorities”.
The MP called his appointment to Mr Sunak’s cabinet “past the pale”, adding: “I’d be shocked if the Cabinet Office did not warn the PM there could be a dim view taken if he was given a job.
“I have no idea on earth why anyone would employ him, he’s been bullying for most of his career.
“The spider within the field, the concept he is bought one thing over any person… it astonished us all when he bought into cupboard.”
The MP went on: “Thoroughly incompetent, thoroughly pathetic. He’s a nasty piece of work, who adds no value whatsoever. Rishi thinks he owes him, he doesn’t. If Gavin Williamson is the answer I don’t know what the hell the question is.”
Sky News has approached Sir Gavin for remark.
The PM’s press secretary mentioned it will be a query for the Forfeiture Committee whether or not Sir Gavin ought to be stripped of his knighthood.
Sir Gavin’s third stint within the cupboard was by far his shortest, having made his return to the federal government solely two weeks in the past, when Mr Sunak appointed him as a minister with out portfolio within the Cabinet Office.
Source: information.sky.com”