Priti Patel ‘false bullying claims’ blasted as sexist as ‘livid’ Home Secretary demands leak probe

CIVIL servants briefing against false claims against Priti Patel are sexist and must stop, allies of the Home Secretary blasted today.

Ms Patel is said to be "livid" after hostile briefings were given to newspapers over the weekend claiming intelligence chiefs don't trust her, and that she has bullied staff.

And it was claimed she tried to oust her most senior servant, Sir Phillip Rutman.

Top civil service boss Sir Mark Sedwill issued a withering slapdown over the bullying claims.

In a letter to all civil service staff, he wrote: "unattributable briefings and leaks to the media... besmirches this country's hard-won reputation for good governance and is a distraction from the vital work of the thousands of civil servants delivering the Government's agenda."

He said: "Candour, confidentiality and courtesy between Ministers, special advisers and civil servants are crucial to the trust and confidence on which good governance depends.

"Civil servants should at all times be confident they can give the honest, impartial and objective advice on which Ministers can rely."

The Home Secretary has demanded an inquiry into the leaks and briefings against her.

One ally said: “Priti is absolutely livid. The blob is trying to kill her. She’s determined to get to the bottom of it."

And this morning former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers accused rogue civil servants of sexism.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I am sick of spiteful briefings against women in high public office.

"It happens again and again."

When asked whether there was misogyny in the briefing war against the Home Secretary, she replied: "Yes, yes I do.

"I think there are clearly people out there to damage the Home Secretary, I think that is unjustified."

She said she had no doubt Ms Patel was "tough and demanding" on her staff, but she not believe for a moment that any bullying took place.

"Whoever is making these briefings should stop it, they are unfair and damaging."

Downing Street has completely refuted the allegations.

This morning Boris Johnson's spokesperson said he had "full confidence" in her and the "vital work she is doing to make our streets safer, and to take back control of the UK's borders."

But he would not go as far as to give full confidence in her permanent secretary, Sir Phillip.

No10 also described the claims as "baseless".

Spy chiefs came out yesterday to back her and slam the claims too.

Sources at MI5 rubbished reports that intelligence was withheld as the Home Secretary struggled to grasp it.

This morning Security Minister James Brokenshire insisted his boss was "demanding" but in that role "you have to be".

He told Sky News the allegations were "absolute nonsense" and the Home Secretary was "focused on the public good".

Colleagues blamed the leaks on leftie staff opposed to her crime and immigration blitzes and say other Home Secretaries have faced the same treatment, but never as personal or intense.

A Cabinet source said: We’re seeing a co-ordinated attempt to bring Priti down, all from within the Home Office — a department renowned for its leaks.

“It always blames ministers for its blunders. What’s new here are the attempts to discredit her when things are going well.”

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk