Former chief whip Wendy Morton has referred an allegation that Sir Gavin Williamson sent 'abusive' messages to her for an independent investigation by a parliamentary watchdog.
On Sunday, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that Mr Sunak knew there was a"difficult relationship" between Sir Gavin and Ms Morton, but"wasn't aware" of"specific allegations".
But in a statement, Sir Gavin said:"I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government.Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told Sky News earlier today that it would be"utterly, utterly unacceptable" if Sir Gavin made the alleged remarks.
Mr Stride said he served in the Whips' Office under Sir Gavin, and saw him as someone with"this sort of aura or mystique around him". "So that was how I always saw Gavin - as somebody who had this sort of aura or mystique around him, but the reality was he just generally got on with his job."
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