//the idea that nobody who comes from a top grammar school can possibly be stupid is so wrong that it's actually quite funny :)//
Yes it might be if that’s what I said in isolation. But I didn’t. You can re-read the entire passage again if you care to since I’ve no intention of repeating it.
//…it is quite possible for a person to attain all of these things and not be very bright...//
Perhaps you could provide me with some recent examples of people who took ‘A’ Levels at a good grammar school, graduated from Oxford, did post-graduate studies at Cambridge and was taken on by one of the UK’s top five law firms to complete their legal training. If you can come up with one or two, demonstrating why you consider they are not particularly bright, I’m all ears. Or perhaps instead give me your definition of “bright” as there is a good chance it is different to mine.
//…alienating all your staff to the extent that they refuse to work for you by demeaning them and throwing tomatoes at them//
I didn’t notice any mention in Mr Tolley’s report of Mr Raab alienating all his staff so they would not work for him and I didn’t notice any mention of tomatoes being thrown. Neither the word “alienate”, "demeaning" nor “tomatoes” appears in his report at all.
Well I’ve now read the entire report (thanks for providing it, TCL).
To me what stands out remarkably is what Mr Tolley, KC, didn’t find rather than what he did. There is no substantiation of any bullying. Many of the accusations were not found as fact. The report, in its conclusions, summarised 15 specific complaints which were examined. In only two of those was there a substantial finding of inappropriate behaviour. There was disputed evidence, but none was tested to a conclusion by way of cross-examination. On a general note, this stands out:
“The DPM’s style is, in his own words, inquisitorial, direct, impatient and fastidious.”
“By his own account, the DPM is demanding, driven and focused on detail. He works long hours. He can be impatient and will become frustrated when others do not deliver what he requires, either in substance or form, or he perceives that others are obstructing his efforts. Such frustration is likely to have been expressed by the DPM on occasion, particularly in the high-pressure and tense working environment involved.”
The entire report gives me the impression that Mr Raab is a demanding Minister and makes his displeasure known on occasions. In short, staff in his office found themselves in a very similar situation to that which of thousands of workers up and down the country do regularly. I’ve worked under such people and you get to know their style and adapt. Go to the pub after work, have a pint with your mates, tomorrow’s another day. And the day after that will probably see the arrival of a new boss. It’s called the Real World.
I accept that Civil Servants are sometimes in a difficult position when they are chastised by their Minister, who is not technically their manager but who nonetheless wields considerable power and influence. But it goes with the job. I'm sure if life is so tough there are plenty of other opportunities for them elsewhere.