Another day, another set of allegations against Priti Patel. When the Home Secretary’s top civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam resigned over the weekend, he used a public statement to accuse Patel of intimidating behaviour towards staff. Since then, more allegations have surfaced over her behaviour dating back to roles in other departments. Today The Sun reports claims of bullying by Patel while at DfID with an unnamed senior official now allegedly planning to testify against her in the upcoming employment tribunal and Cabinet Office inquiry.
While Patel denies any wrongdoing, there’s now talk in Westminster of whether Patel can stay in her role given that this story looks set to run and run. However, those bracing themselves for her departure look set to be disappointed. What the past few days have revealed is how keen No. 10 and the rest of the Tory party is to keep Patel in place. The
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