Priti Patel apologizes for anger caused by her behavior following report of bullying allegations

Updated 43 minutes ago

BORIS JOHNSON HAS found that the ministerial code was not violated by Priti Patel amid allegations of intimidation despite the fact that an investigation into her conduct found that she “had not consistently met the high standards expected of her.”

The prime minister’s adviser on ministerial rules, Sir Alex Allan, resigned in response to Johnson’s decision to keep Patel as interior minister.

A government statement said Johnson has “full confidence” in Patel and “believes this matter is now closed.”

Patel apologized for the discomfort caused by his behavior and said in a statement: “It has never been my intention to cause any discomfort to anyone.”

Speaking tonight, Patel also said that she is “absolutely sorry for anyone” who has bothered.

“I’m sorry that my behavior upset people, and I never intentionally set out to upset anyone,” he said.

“I work with thousands of brilliant officials every day and we work together, day after day, to fulfill the agenda of this government.”

Ministers are normally expected to resign if they break the code.

Sir Alex concluded that Patel’s behavior, which was said to include some occasions of yelling and swearing, met the definition of intimidation adopted by the civil service.

In his advice, he said: “The definition of bullying adopted by the Civil Service accepts that legitimate, reasonable and constructive criticism of a worker’s performance will not amount to bullying.

“Define bullying as intimidating or insulting behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable, scared, less respected or belittled. Cases of behavior reported to the Cabinet Office would meet that definition. “

He said his advice was that Patel “has not consistently met the high standards required by the ministerial code to treat its public officials with consideration and respect.”

He added: “His approach has at times turned into behavior that can be described as bullying in terms of the impact people feel. To that extent, their behavior has violated the ministerial code, albeit inadvertently. “

However, she said that “there was no evidence that she was aware of the impact of her behavior, and no feedback was given at that time.”

He added: “The high pressure and demands of the position, in the Interior Ministry, coupled with the need for more supportive leadership from the top of the department has clearly been a contributing factor.

“In particular, I notice the finding of a different and more positive behavior since these problems were raised.”

In March, a Cabinet Office investigation was launched into allegations that Patel belittled his colleagues and was taking on senior officials from three different departments.

It followed the resignation of the permanent secretary of the Home Office, Sir Philip Rutnam, who accused Patel of a “vicious and orchestrated information campaign” against him and called for his constructive dismissal in a labor court.

Patel has raised concerns about the “false” claims and has been described by her allies as a “demanding” boss but not a bully.

Contains reports from Stephen McDermott.