Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office’s most senior civil servant, resigned on Saturday claiming he had been “the target of a vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign”.
“The home secretary categorically denied any involvement in this campaign to the Cabinet Office. I regret I do not believe her,” he said.
Below are three of the more explosive briefings that may well become part of Rutnam’s plan to sue the government for constructive dismissal.
20 February
Report in the Times quotes allies of Patel saying the permanent secretary was unable to do his job and should be relieved of his pension.
“The Home Office is dysfunctional and the current permanent secretary had presided over a sacking of a home secretary [Amber Rudd] and accidental deportations,” a source was quoted as saying.
“If this was any other environment, Philip Rutnam would not only be sacked but he’d be denied a pension.”
23 February
Allies of Patel quoted in the Telegraph saying Rutnam was nicknamed Dr No in the Home Office for being so negative about ministerial ideas, and was known for quashing ideas by regularly claiming that there was a 70% chance of the Home Office losing a legal challenge or case.
The Patel ally was also quoted claiming Rutnam could not work with strong women.
“He is also old school. He got on with Sajid Javid but he had a problem with Amber and Priti. He doesn’t get on with strong women who come in with their own views.”
28 February
Friends of Patel quoted in the Sun saying she sees Rutnam as “the new Philip Hammond Eeyore”.