The federal government’s battle with the civil service has escalated this morning with the departure of Sir Philip Rutnam as Residence Workplace e
The federal government’s battle with the civil service has escalated this morning with the departure of Sir Philip Rutnam as Residence Workplace everlasting secretary. Rutnam has stop the function following a fortnight of destructive protection and briefings over his strained working relationship with Priti Patel. Announcing his decision, Rutnam blamed a ‘vicious and orchestrated briefing marketing campaign’ in opposition to him for forcing him into this determination. He says he believes the Residence Secretary performed a task on this:
‘I had been the goal of a vicious and orchestrated briefing marketing campaign. It has been alleged that I’ve briefed the media in opposition to the Residence Secretary. This, together with many different claims, is totally false. The Residence Secretary categorically denied any involvement on this marketing campaign to the Cupboard Workplace. I remorse I don’t consider her. She has not made the efforts I might count on to disassociate herself from the feedback.’
Rutnam has no plans to go quietly. He’ll now take authorized motion in opposition to the federal government alleging unfair dismissal. The senior civil servant refused a settlement so his case will possible be performed out publicly within the courts. In a touch of what we should always count on that to deliver up, Rutnam’s assertion was not simply aimed toward making the case that he has been handled unfairly – it additionally noticed him transfer to hurt Patel’s place as Residence Secretary. Following information experiences that Patel is alleged to have bullied workers (a declare she denies), Rutnam lists allegations he obtained in opposition to her: ‘I’ve obtained allegations that her conduct has included shouting and swearing, belittling folks, making unreasonable and repeated calls for, behaviour that created worry and wanted some bravery to name out.’
On the subject of Rutnam and Patel’s relationship, the pair clashed over a variety of points nevertheless it finally got here right down to the Residence Secretary’s perception that her most senior civil servant was obstructive. They beforehand clashed over an announcement that the police would be allowed to hold tasers.
Rutnam’s departure won’t be a supply of unhappiness for a lot of in authorities. He was one in every of three everlasting secretaries named in a report on No. 10’s ‘hit checklist’ of civil servants seen to be problematic. After the Windrush scandal, a number of ministers additionally questioned his place. Allies of Amber Rudd blamed Rutnam for dud recommendation from officers the then Residence Secretary obtained which led to her resignation later down the road. Patel herself might now be relieved to a level that Rutnam has left the function – they have been unable to work constructively. Nevertheless, if the Residence Secretary’s remaining civil servants flip in opposition to her, her job will grow to be more durable within the months to return.
So, what does this imply for Patel’s place? Earlier this week, the Prime Minister’s spokesman stated he had ‘full confidence’ within the Residence Secretary. Patel’s agenda within the Residence Workplace – an agenda that she clashed with Rutnam on – is one that’s shared by No. 10. However the method by which this has performed out will trigger alarm in Downing Road. This week, the Prime Minister tried to place a lid on the feud with Patel and Rutnam issuing a joint assertion casting doubt on experiences about their working relationship. Despite the fact that this authorities holds deep reservations concerning the civil service and the way Whitehall operates, the general public nature of this row is seen as undesirable.