Adviser quits after Boris Johnson backs minister Priti Patel over bullying report
- Britain’s home secretary Priti Patel apologised for any upset she may have caused
- Adviser Alex Allan, who concluded Patel had broken rules, resigned after the prime minister stood by his colleague
Home Secretary Priti Patel, one of the most senior figures in the government, had not met the standards set under Britain’s Ministerial Code which states ministers should treat officials with respect, independent adviser Alex Allan concluded.
However, a government statement said Johnson noted that concerns had not been raised at the time and that Patel was unaware of the impact of her actions. She apologised for any upset she may have caused.
“The prime minister has full confidence in the home secretary and considers this matter now closed,” the government statement said.
However, Allan immediately quit, with opponents saying Johnson was giving the green light to bullying.
“I recognise that it is for the prime minister to make a judgment on whether actions by a minister amount to a breach of the Ministerial Code,” Allan said. “But I feel that it is right that I should now resign from my position.”
