The case for bullying

“Dom puts the backs up of civil servants because he actually checks the work. He doesn’t just take what they tell him.”

That’s an unnamed government minister, telling The Times why they should ignore evidence that over twenty civil servants across three departments have been bullied by Dominic Raab. It’s less an argument than an image,the portrait of a tough boss who keeps the rabble in line, but gets things done. That might be more convincing if Raab’s career were full of achievements against the odds, but what he’s best known for is putting his own comfort and convenience above the desperate needs of vulnerable allies in Afghanistan.

But the Raab defence is part of a long Tory tradition, like the fairy story they tell about education. “Teachers have wild ideas and want more pay, but government ministers are on to them and are busy raising standards.” This one is also coming apart at the seams, as parents recognise the work done by teachers to support their children during the pandemic. Yes, a teachers’ strike may create short-term problems of supervision, but if you treat hardworking professionals that badly, they’re entitled to come out on strike.