Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PATEL ‘BROKE RULES & THERE WAS BULLYING’
Draft of inquiry’s findings revealed
HOME Secretary Priti Patel broke rules on ministers’ behaviour, according to a draft report, it was claimed last night.
The Cabinet Minister, 48, has always denied claims of bullying and her spokesman said there have never been formal complaints against her.
But a draft investigation completed in the summer found she breached the ministerial code, the BBC said.
The Cabinet Office launched an inquiry into her conduct after the Home Office’s top civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam resigned in February.
He alleged that staff believed Ms Patel “created fear” in the department. The report, carried out by the Government’s independent adviser on standards, Sir Alex Allan, has not been published. No10 has faced questions over when it will be.
But the BBC quoted a source saying it concluded the Home Secretary “had not met the requirements of the ministerial code to treat civil servants with consideration and respect”. It alleged the probe found evidence of bullying, even if it was not deliberate.
Another source claimed the report was “unambiguous in stating that Priti Patel broke the ministerial code and that the Prime Minister buried it”. A minister found guilty of breaking code is usually expected to resign. But Mr Johnson will only issue the Cabinet Minister with a written warning, the Financial Times claims. It said the PM intends to “fudge” the outcome of the inquiry, which has “robust criticisms” of Ms Patel’s behaviour. Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-symonds said: “His actions all but condone workplace bullying.” A government spokeswoman said the PM will make any decision public “once the process has concluded”.