Politics

Labour calls for immediate release of Priti Patel bullying probe after reports she has been cleared



The investigation into bullying accusations against Priti Patel must be released “as soon as possible”, Labour has demanded.

It comes amid reports that the Home Secretary has been cleared of belittling colleagues and clashing with senior officials in three different departments.

The investigation, ordered by Boris Johnson, found “no evidence” to support claims the Home Secretary had bullied staff at the Home Office, Department for Work and Pensions and Department for International Trade, according to the Telegraph.


In a letter to Michael Gove, Labour frontbenchers Nick Thomas-Symonds and Rachel Reeves, asked that the results be published “as soon as possible”.

It comes amid reports that the Home Secretary has been cleared of bullying members of staff (AFP via Getty Images)

They said: “At a time when additional powers are being assumed by the government, the imperative that the public are completely assured of the conduct of senior Ministers is even greater.”

“As a result, we are calling on you to ensure that the findings of the inquiry are published as soon as possible.

“Parliament should also be updated this week about the progress of the inquiry and the timing of its completion.”

Labour said the letter was sent last week and that no response has been received.

The probe was launched after Sir Philip Rutnam quit as Permanent Secretary at the Home Office in February with a blistering attack on Ms Patel.

Sir Philip Rutnam Resigns ‘After Clashes With Priti Patel’

Sir Philip claimed he had been the target of a “vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign”.

He added that the decision to resign was with “great regret after a career of 33 years”.

In his televised statement , Sir Philip said he’d received reports of the Home Secretary “swearing, belittling people and making unreasonable and repeated demands” towards staff.

Sir Philip also formally launched his legal action last Monday, submitting a claim to an employment tribunal.

Michael Gove: PM Has Asked Cabinet Office To ‘Establish The Facts’ In Priti Patel Case

It is understood that Mr Johnson asked the Cabinet Office to “establish the facts”, in line with the Ministerial Code, and that the process is ongoing.

The report, carried out by the Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and reportedly completed within the last week, is understood to have been handed to the Prime Minister on his return to Downing Street on Monday after his recovery from coronavirus.

“They have looked at all the claims and found nothing,” said a Whitehall source told the newspaper.

“They trawled through lots of material but found no evidence.”

Ms Patel has previously expressed concern at the “false” claims against her and allies described her as a “demanding” boss but not a bully.

She has also expressed her “regret” at the decision of Sir Philip to quit.

Dave Penman, who is supporting Sir Philip as general secretary of the FDA civil servants’ union, raised his concerns over reports that the Cabinet Office investigation had quietly concluded.

“It tells you everything that is wrong with the ministerial code that a process which is decided in secret by the PM who already pledged allegiance to the minister, is leaked the evening before the Home Secretary is due to appear before a select committee,” he said.



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