Patel ‘nothing to do’ with alleged bullying of overdose victim
THE row over Priti Patel intensified yesterday as allies hit back against fresh bullying claims by a “victim” who they said had only worked for her for two weeks.
Friends of the Home Secretary claimed it was “ludicrous” to drag her into alleged bullying of a junior staff member in her private office at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) who it is claimed took an overdose after clashing with her.
“This person at the DWP only worked for Priti for two weeks and was already in the process of quitting when Priti took over as employment minister,” a friend said.
“The accusations of bullying were made against the department, not Priti, and the payout [to the member of staff ] was made by the Civil Service which, by the way, mishandled her case entirely. It was nothing to do with Priti.”
Boris Johnson has ordered an investigation by Sir Mark Sedwill, the Cabinet Secretary, to “establish the facts” over allegations of bullying by Ms Patel at the Home Office, DWP and Department for International Development, and whether she breached the ministerial code in her dealings with officials.
Sir Mark is expected to report directly to the Prime Minister within weeks on the circumstances that led to the resignation of Sir Philip Rutnam as
‘This person at the DWP only worked for Priti for two weeks and was already in the process of quitting’
permanent secretary at the Home Office after a series of rows with her. It is thought unlikely that the report will be published.
Yesterday Diane Abbott, Labour’s shadow home secretary, said Ms Patel should step down while the complaints against her were investigated.
“We want a genuinely independent inquiry – a lawyer-led inquiry and something that can be seen to be independent,” said Ms Abbott.
“I’m afraid it would be better if she stepped down.”
Mr Johnson’s official spokesman yesterday reiterated that he had “full confidence” in Ms Patel, noting that she had denied any allegations of bullying.