BRITISH home secretary Priti Patel is now facing legal action under the whistleblowing laws.
On Monday (20), Patel’s former permanent secretary Sir Philip Rutnam lodged an employment tribunal claim saying he was removed for exposing her ‘bullying behaviour.’
This is for the first time that a secretary of state has been sued by a former permanent secretary.
Saying that he was ‘constructively dismissed’, Rutnam claimed that he was expelled soon after he informed Cabinet Office that Patel had belittled officials in meetings and made unreasonable demands on staff.
However, Priti Patel denied claims that she bullied civil servants in three government departments.
The consequence of a whistleblowing claim means that instead of a ceiling of £85,000 on Rutnam’s claim, there will be no upper limit to any damages he might receive.
Rutnam’s claim is likely to focus on Patel’s treatment of senior civil servants in the Home Office.
Rutnam resigned on February 29. In his statement after resignation, he accused Patel of orchestrating a “vicious” campaign against him.
Patel is expected to appear as a witness in the legal battle, along with her special advisers. The government would be asked for full disclosure of emails and correspondence between Patel, her staff, the Cabinet Office and No 10.
According to media reports, Patel has rarely been seen in public since the allegations of bullying emerged in February.
It was widely criticised as she holds one of the four great offices of state during a national pandemic.
Karan Johar and Smriti Irani
