Pritti Patel has been found to have broken Ministerial Code after a report was conducted into claims of bullying.
The Ministerial Code ‘sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties’. This includes professionalism with the civil service, and treating people with respect.
The report comes after allegations in March after the former Home Office permanent secretary, Sir Philip Rutnam, resigned after trying to challenge the mistreatment of civil servants. An inquiry was launched in March by Michel Gove, conducted by Helen MacNamara and the PM has been advised by Sir Alex Allan.
Sir Alex said that Patel became frustrated in different instances, and this resulted in ‘forceful expression.’ He adds that her frustration was justifiable, and therefore ‘her behaviour has been in breach of the Ministerial Code, even if unintentionally’ due to the context of the situation, and noted her different behaviour since ‘these issues were raised with her.’
In response to the report, Johnson has stood with Patel, believing she is a bully. Patel has issued an apology over her behaviour, agreeing with the claims that she was not ‘supported’ at the time, which is explored within Sir Alex’s statements. He has resigned over the report, due to the PM’s rejection of it.
However, Sir Philip challenged Sir Alan’s findings, stating to the BBC that ‘As early as August 2019, the month after her appointment, she was advised that she must not shout and swear at staff’, as well as claiming that there is a significant lack of truth in her claims she was not supported in her role.
It is unclear where this issue dividing the UK government will lead.
Written by Anna Male
Artwork by Zara Masood
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