PM’s warning over bullying after probe
Work relationships ‘ must be respectful’
POLITICS: Boris Johnson has written to Ministers and heads of Government departments reminding them that there is “no place for bullying” after an investigation into the Home Secretary found she had shouted and sworn at staff.
The move came after the Prime Minister’s opted to stand by Priti Patel over the issue.
BORIS JOHNSON has written to Ministers and heads of Government departments reminding them that there is “no place for bullying” after an investigation into the Home Secretary found she had shouted and sworn at staff.
The move came after Sir Alex Allan, the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial standards, walked out last Friday after Mr Johnson overruled his conclusion that Priti Patel breached the ministerial code and opted to stand by his Home Secretary.
Only the week before, Mr Johnson had seen two of his most senior advisers, de facto chief of staff Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain, announce their departure from Number 10.
Downing Street at the weekend did not deny suggestions that Mr Johnson had tried and failed to convince Sir Alex to tone down his conclusion – published durpact ing anti- bullying week – that Ms Patel’s behaviour amounted to bullying as he found instances of shouting and swearing.
Issuing a written statement, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Sir Alex had concluded that Ms Patel’s behaviour could “on occasion” be described “as bullying in terms of the imfelt by individuals”, but added that he had “full confidence” in the Cabinet Minister and that he considered “this matter now closed”.
Mr Johnson said he had, in a joint letter with Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, written to those in the ministerial ranks and civil service permanent secretaries reminding them of their duties in fostering cordial working relationships. He said: “Together with the Cabinet Secretary, I have this morning written to all Ministers and permanent secretaries.
“This letter sets out the paramount importance of relationships of mutual trust and respect between politicians and their officials.
“This includes keeping internal conversations private, feeling able to speak freely and honestly about matters of state and to speak constructively about things that are not working so that we can fix them together promptly.” He said there must be a “culture which is professional, respectful, focused and ambitious for change”.