Dominic Raab defends being 'straightforward' with staff but insists he's not a bully

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Dominic Raab said he "heart and soul" believes he was not a bully, but defended his "straightforward" approach to his work.

The Deputy Prime Minister is being investigated over eight official complaints about his behavior as Foreign Secretary, Brexit Secretary and in his first term as Justice Secretary .

Mr. point to complain" about an investigation he has requested.

Senior Counsel Adam Tolley KC was appointed in November to lead the investigation into Mr Raab's conduct, but the process is not yet complete.

Mr Raab said: "I am a professional, I called for the investigation, so there is no point in complaining about it.

"It will end when it ends, it's not in my control."

He told Sky News: "Anyone who is accused of things that you feel very passionately about and that your heart and soul are wrong, you'll feel wronged, but I'm a professional - I'm very focused on the work I do."

Mr. Raab, who will replace Rishi Sunak during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, was asked about former Cabinet colleague Jacob Rees-Mogg, suggesting officials are "too snowflake".

The Justice Secretary Mr Raab replied that the "overwhelming majority" of civil servants are doing an "exceptionally good" job.

You have to be direct, you have to be candid - it's not bullying

Dominic Raab

When he launched his reforms to the parole system, he said: "I think having professional standards, having high standards, being demanding, being rigorous, is exactly what is needed when it comes to defending victims.

"You have to be direct, you have to be frank - it's not bullying."