The prime minister insisted he was “not aware of any of the specific concerns” relating to Sir Gavin’s alleged “unacceptable” behavior in his previous posts. His comments came after Sir Keir Starmer probed the Prime Minister over an allegation that Sir Gavin told a civil servant to cut his throat. Nurses said there is ‘no point’ in going on strike – Politics latest “How does the prime minister believe the victim of this bullying when he expressed great sadness at his resignation?” asked the Labor leader. Mr Sunak replied: “Undoubtedly, the conduct complained of was unacceptable and it is absolutely right, it is absolutely right that the right honorable gentleman has resigned. “For the record, I was not aware of any of the specific concerns relating to his conduct as secretary of state or as chief whip, dating back some years. “I believe that people in public life should treat others with respect and dignity, and those are the principles on which this government will stand.” Sir Keir later referred to Sir Gavin as “a sad middle manager who lets the people down below him” and a “cartoon bully with a pet spider”. Calling the prime minister “so weak” for not removing Sir Gavin from his post, the Labor leader continued: “What message does he think he’s sending when instead of standing up to the bullies, he stands by and thanks them for their loyalty?” said Sir Keir. Mr Sunak replied: “Obviously I regret appointing someone who had to stand down in these circumstances, but I think what the British people would like to know is that when situations like this arise, they will be dealt with properly. “And that’s why it’s absolutely right that he’s resigned and that’s why it’s absolutely right that there’s an inquiry to properly look at these matters. I said my administration would be characterized by integrity, professionalism and accountability and it will.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:08 ‘Did you regret appointing Gavin Williamson?’ Sir Gavin’s departure on Tuesday night came shortly after a formal complaint was made by a former civil servant – who claimed the MP told them to “cut your throat”. A Number 10 source told Sky News it was Sir Gavin’s decision to step down following further allegations against him. He appears to have spoken to the prime minister earlier in the evening to tender his resignation. In his resignation letter, the former cabinet minister pledged to clear his name of wrongdoing – and said he “denies the characterization of these allegations”. “I recognize that these are a distraction from the good work that this government is doing,” Sir Gavin wrote to Mr Sunak. Accepting the resignation “with great regret”, Mr Sunack told Sir Gavin: “I would like to thank you for your personal support and loyalty.” Read more: Gavin Williamson resigns after formal complaint over ‘cut your throat’ comment. Sir Gavin – who has already been sacked by Theresa May and Boris Johnson – has also been accused of sending explosive messages to former leader Wendy Morton complaining about being denied an invitation to the Queen’s funeral. He has also been the subject of allegations that he bullied a former Ministry of Defense official and engaged in “unethical and unethical” behavior while in charge. Late last night, Sir Gavin said he would not be taking redundancy pay, tweeting: “This is taxpayers’ money and should go to the Government’s priorities, such as reducing NHS waiting lists.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:53 Williamson vows to clear his name Senior Tory MPs claimed to Sky News that Sir Gavin had been “bullying for most of his career” and that his behavior “has always been known”. A senior Tory MP, who was in cabinet with Sir Gavin, told Sky News: “He’s a bully, there’s no doubt about it, it’s well known, it’s always been known. “His only talent is bullying. It was wrong of Rishi to give him a job.” The senior MP also claimed that Sir Gavin, who was chief whip under Mrs May, “modelled the whipping style” on US drama House of Cards. Another senior Tory MP was even more disparaging of Sir Gavin, calling him “an absolute little s***” who “should never have been allowed into government”. The MP called Mr Sunak’s cabinet appointment “beyond the pale”, adding: “I would be surprised if the Cabinet Office did not warn the Prime Minister that there would be a dim view if he was given the job. “I have no idea why anyone would employ him, he’s been bullying most of his career. “The spider in the box, the idea that he has something over someone … it surprised us all when it went into the cupboard.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:23 Williamson “did the right thing” by resigning The MP continued: “Totally incompetent, utterly pathetic. It’s an ugly piece of work, adding no value. Rishi thinks he owes him, he doesn’t. If Gavin Williamson is the answer, I don’t know what the hell the question is.” Sky News has approached Sir Gavin for comment. The prime minister’s press secretary said it would be a question for the Confiscations Commission whether Sir Gavin should be stripped of his knighthood. Sir Gavin’s third term in cabinet was by far the shortest, having only returned to government two weeks ago when Mr Sunak appointed him as minister without portfolio in the cabinet office.
