Payout for Rutnam over Patel bully row

A SUBSTANTIAL sum is understood to have been paid out by the UK Government to settle a top civil servant’s employment tribunal claim.

Home Office chief Sir Philip Rutnam is reported to have accepted a six-figure sum after launching legal action against the Home Secretary Priti Patel.

The former permanent secretary resigned in February 2020, accusing Priti Patel of a “vicious and orchestrated” campaign against him, claiming constructive dismissal and accusing her of bullying subordinates.

In a statement issued via the FDA Union, Sir Philip said: “I am pleased to say that the Government has settled the claims I brought against them and which were due to be heard in an employment tribunal in September.

“This settlement resolves my own case.

The FDA is continuing to pursue in separate proceedings the wider issues that have been raised.

The Government said it “regrets the circumstances” surrounding his resignation but added that both parties were

“pleased that a settlement has been reached.”

In a separate statement, the Home Office insisted the Government did not accept liability.