Eleanor Corney
Gavin Williamson quit Rishi Sunak’s cabinet after it was revealed that he told a senior civil servant to slit their throat while he was defence secretary.
Williamson reappointed
The Cabinet Office Minister quit after the former Civil Servant put in a formal complaint to Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance scheme. This put even more pressure on Sunak regarding his decision to reappoint Williamson.
There have since been further bullying allegations from his former Deputy Chief whip. Williamson was criticised for his behaviour, labelling it as “unethical and immoral.” He claims that Williamson used “leverage” and threats to instil fear in Westminster.
He vows to clear his name of any wrongdoing.
In Williamson’s resignation letter, he rebukes claims that his conduct had become a distraction. Claims have been made that he had decided to “step back from government”. The complaints process was however still being carried out at the time. He vows to clear his name of any wrongdoing.
Sunak’s response claims that he was accepting Williamson’s resignation with “great sadness”. He thanks his political ally for his “loyalty” and his work during his brief stint in government.
Williamson had been forced to leave cabinet three consecutive times. First, he was sacked as Defence Secretary by Theresa May. This then followed the loss of his role as Education Secretary under Boris Johnson’s government.
The manner of Williamson’s departure – stepping down rather than being forced out of parliament – will continue to raise questions about Sunak’s political judgement.
The third follows the Guardian’s claims that Williamson told a senior civil servant to slit their throat and “jump out of the window.”
Facing Inquiries
Williamson is now facing three separate inquiries into his behaviour. Two relating to the same incident involving Wendy Morton, the Conservative Party chief whip. The third follows the Guardian’s claims that Williamson told a senior civil servant to slit their throat and “jump out of the window.”
Williamson has rejected the allegations that he bullied any staff and claimed that he had “good working relationships.” However, he has not denied using the specific words.
In a statement, the complainant states that they had an “incredibly difficult period” working for Williamson.
In a statement, the complainant states that they had an “incredibly difficult period” working for Williamson, and that the bullying had taken an “extreme impact” on their mental health.
Another statement, from two Rutherford sources attested to the politician’s inappropriate bullying. During his time as Chief Whip, Williamson had been heard boasting or talking about the effect his behaviour had on the mental health of his coworkers. In an interview with Channel 4, former member of parliament Anne Milton accused Williamson of collecting “salacious gossip” and using MPs’ mental health problems against them.
Downing Street claims that Sunak believes that the bullying allegations against Williamson were serious. This forces the Prime Minister to consider whether further action should be taken against him.
In Williamson’s resignation letter he acknowledges that there is an ongoing complaints process regarding “concerning text messages” he sent to a colleague. He says he is complying with this process and is apologetic to the recipient of these messages. However, he says that he “refutes the characterisation” of any further claims against him.
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