What Sir Philip Rutnam’s departure means for Priti Patel

The government’s battle with the civil service has escalated this morning with the departure of Sir Philip Rutnam as Home Office permanent secretary. Rutnam has quit the role following a fortnight of negative coverage and briefings over his strained working relationship with Priti Patel. Announcing his decision, Rutnam blamed a ‘vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign’ against him for forcing him into this decision. He says he believes the Home Secretary played a role in this:

‘I had been the target of a vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign. It has been alleged that I have briefed the media against the Home Secretary. This, along with many other claims, is completely false. The Home Secretary categorically denied any involvement in this campaign to the Cabinet Office. I regret I do not believe her. She has not made the efforts I would expect to disassociate herself from the comments.’