Recent media reports have suggested that Home Secretary Priti Patel has “bullied her staff”, allegations that have now been dismissed as "false" by the government. Patel has also been accused of trying to force out Sir Philip Rutnam, the most senior permanent civil servant in her department.
A Times article, quoting unnamed sources, went on to allege that MI5 chiefs found her “extremely difficult to deal with”.
The Home Office issued a joint statement, which said both Patel and Sir Philip were “deeply concerned about the number of false allegations appearing in the media”.
Now, No. 10 has also backed Patel saying that the prime minister had “full confidence in the Home Secretary and the vital work she is doing”.
In the meantime, former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said she was “sick of spiteful briefings against women in high public office”. She said,
“It happens again and again and I don’t believe these allegations against Priti Patel. I think she’s a highly effective home secretary and I think whoever is making these briefings should stop it because I think they are unfair and they are damaging. I think there are clearly people who are out to damage the Home Secretary.”
