Inquiry to ‘establish facts’ in Patel bullying claim

The government has ordered an inquiry into bullying allegations levelled at Home Secretary Priti Patel by her top civil servant.

The Cabinet Office has been asked to “establish the facts” behind Sir Philip Rutnam’s decision to quit.

He resigned on Saturday, going straight on TV to accuse Ms Patel of shouting and swearing at staff and being behind what he said were ‘vicious’ briefings to the media about him.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said Priti Patel totally rejected the accusations.