Rees-Mogg Condemned For Branding Raab Bullying Claims As 'Too Snowflakey'

Jacob Rees-Mogg has been condemned for suggesting those accusing deputy prime minister Dominic Raab of bullying were being "too snowflakey".

- Adam Forrest

The ex-cabinet minister made the comments in response to questions about Mr Raab's alleged treatment of civil servants subject to an independent investigation ordered by Rishi Sunak. "I think we've got to be slightly careful about the bullying allegations," he told Sky News. "We mustn't be too snowflakey about it. People need to be able to say this job has not been done well enough and needs to be done better."

Mr Rees-Mogg said bullying was a "very difficult line to judge" and "not a straightforward issue in most cases". He added: "Is it reasonable to demand from senior and well-paid professionals a level of good service? And then you have to judge whether that line has been overstepped. But I do worry we're getting a bit snowflakey about this."

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, accused him of "trivialising bullying", saying: "Even by Rees-Mogg's standards this is outrageous". The union leader added: "A former leader of the House, trivialising bullying that we know has ruined lives and careers. Not only should he be ashamed of himself, but his leader and party should distance themselves from this."