James Cleverley defends Steve Barclay from bullying allegations

James Cleverly (right) defended Steve Barclay against bullying allegations. Allegations of intimidation of «brats» were backed by a prominent voice in the Cabinet on Thursday, when the Foreign Secretary rushed to Steve Barclay's defense.

James Cleverly said the Health Secretary was «absolutely not» a bully, as the Senior Minister faced with accusations of his behavior towards the staff.

The claims, which came after Dominic Raab's resignation from the cabinet last week, were dismissed by one conservative source as «bullshit» from «snotty service.»

Mr Raab warned that an investigation into his conduct had set the threshold for bullying so low that it would «encourage false complaints against ministers.»

Downing Street insisted that ministers should be able to «rigorously vet and challenge» civil servants and their political advisers.

A spokesman for the prime minister denied that he had ever been told of any unofficial concerns about Mr Barclay's behaviour, adding: «The Minister of Health is working for the public and is working hard to reduce waiting lists so people can get the care they need.» . faster.

“The Prime Minister expects ministers to deliver results in their department.

“Ministers should be able to rigorously scrutinize and challenge civil servants and their political advisers, and hold departments accountable for their work for the public.”< /p>

The Guardian reported that civil servants have unofficially complained to senior officials in the health ministry about the way they were treated by Mr. Barclay, while senior officials spoke privately of his «bullying» and other «bad deeds».

But Mr Cleverley told Sky News on Thursday: “I have worked with him several times. He issued a statement making it absolutely clear that no reports had been received. His statement is clear and completely unambiguous, and I am fully convinced that it is true.”

No official complaint

Mr. Barclay has not commented publicly, but Allies “completely deny” that he is a bully.

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The Guardian cites unnamed sources as saying Mr Barclay was «complicated», «constantly angry», «pisses people off and is generally a bit obnoxious».

A source close to the health minister said: «There have been no complaints.» When asked if they denied the intimidation, they said, «Totally deny it.»

A Tory source told Politico's London Playbook: «This Barclay nonsense is the worst thing about a snotty service.»

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A spokesman for the Department of Health and Welfare stated, “There have been no formal complaints to the Department regarding the conduct of its ministers.”

“Any complaints concerning ministers or staff will be investigated. in accordance with departmental guidelines.”

Adam Tolley KC's five-month investigation of eight official complaints about Mr. Affairs, and that he criticized the performance of civil servants as «deplorable» and «completely useless» while Attorney General.

Concerns about Mr. Barclay arose even before Tolly's report was published, according to The Guardian.