Priti Patel apologises for ‘behaviour in the past’ but keeps job

The home secretary, Priti Patel, has apologised for “behaviour in the past” in response to an investigation into bullying allegations – but has escaped losing her job after Boris Johnson ignored the findings of his adviser on ministerial standards.

The adviser, Sir Alex Allan, has resigned. In his report, he said: “My advice is that the home secretary has not consistently met the high standards required by the ministerial code of treating her civil servants with consideration and respect.

“Her approach on occasions has amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying in terms of the impact felt by individuals.

“To that extent her behaviour has been in breach of the ministerial code, even if unintentionally.”

In response, Patel said: “I am sorry that my behaviour in the past has upset people. It has never been my intention to cause upset to anyone. I am very grateful for the hard work of thousands of civil servants who help to deliver the government’s agenda.

“I care deeply about delivering on the commitments we have made to the people of this country and I acknowledge that I am direct and have at times got frustrated.

“I would like to thank the prime minister for his support. The permanent secretary and I are working closely together to deliver on the vital job the Home Office has to do for the country.”

The Home Office permanent secretary, its top civil servant, Matthew Rycroft, said: “Sir Alex Allan’s findings make difficult reading, including for the civil service.

“The home secretary and I are committed to working together to improve the Home Office and build the strongest possible partnership between ministers and officials based on support, candour, safety to challenge, mutual respect and professionalism. Relationships between ministers and officials have improved considerably.

“Day in, day out, Home Office staff work tirelessly to keep the public safe, cut crime, and improve our immigration and asylum system, and we are determined that they should do so in a supportive environment that respects their wellbeing.”