Job safe after PM snubs probe result

PRITI Patel kept her job yesterday after boris Johnson rejected advice from his own standards watchdog that she had broken the ministerial code.

A probe found she shouted and swore at officials – but the Government said the PM still has “full confidence” in her and “considers this matter now closed”.

The findings of Sir Alex Allan’s investigation, launched in March after top Home Office civil servant Sir Philip Ruttnam quit, emerged on the final day of National Anti-bullying Week.

Sir Alex – who quit after the PM rejected his advice – said Patel “has not consistently met high standards required... of treating her civil servants with consideration and respect”. He said she had been given over to “forceful expression, including some occasions of shouting and swearing” which “may not be done intentionally to cause upset but that has been the effect”. He added: “Her approach on occasions has amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying in terms of the impact.” Patel said there were “no excuses” and gave an “unreserved” apology. She added: “I have clearly upset people and, looking at what has been published in the report, there is no question I’m absolutely sorry for the upset caused.” Johnson’s press secretary, Allegra Stratton, said the PM “loathes bullying” and added: “It is not his belief that Priti Patel is a bully.” but Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would have sacked her, adding: “It is hard to imagine another workplace where this behaviour would be condoned.” Meanwhile, Sir Philip claimed Patel was advised “as early as August 2019”, a month after becoming Home Secretary, not to “shout and swear at staff”. He also claimed Sir Alex did not seek evidence from him for the probe.

ACTION Labour leader Keir Starmer