Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned that people are getting “a bit snowflaky” about bullying allegations levelled at government ministers.
The former cabinet minister told Sky News individuals should be “careful” when talking about accusations involving those including Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab.
“I think we’ve got to be slightly careful about the bullying allegations,” the senior Conservative MP said.
“We mustn’t be too snowflaky about it.
“People need to be able to say this job has not been done well enough and needs to be done better.
“It’s a very difficult line to judge. It’s not a straightforward issue in most cases. It’s how did somebody react, what did somebody say, 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 are getting a bit snowflakey about this.”
Rishi Sunak: From Zahawi and Raab to seatbelt gaffe – the U-turns and scandals of his first months as PM
Overhaul of human rights laws would weaken UK courts ‘and should be scrapped’, MPs warn
Sports funding to cut crime – a drop in the ocean or a step in the right direction?
IMF’s dire forecast for the UK is ‘wrong’ – politics latest
Mr Rees-Mogg added that it is “completely sensible” for Mr Raab to remain in his position while the investigation into his conduct continues.
He also backed former PM Boris Johnson for keeping Priti Patel in place as home secretary despite her being found to have broken the ministerial code over bullying allegations.
Mr Rees-Mogg’s comments were condemned by a civil service union chief.
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, said: “Even by Rees-Mogg’s standards this is outrageous.
“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.”
