(Alliance News) - Former top Home Office civil servant Philip Rutnam has formally launched legal action against Priti Patel, according to his union representatives.
The department's ex-permanent secretary is claiming "constructive dismissal" in the claim submitted to an employment tribunal on Monday morning, civil servants' union the FDA said.
Rutnam quit his post in February amid allegations of bullying behaviour by Home Secretary Patel.
The news of the latest move in his legal case comes as the Cabinet Office is expected to conclude an inquiry into claims that the minister clashed with senior officials and belittled colleagues.
In a statement, FDA general secretary Dave Penman said: "On February 29 2020, Philip Rutnam resigned as permanent secretary of the Home Office, indicating that he intended to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal.
"Following his resignation, the FDA instructed Gavin Mansfield QC, head of Littleton Chambers and employment law specialist, as counsel to advise Philip, supported by Clive Howard, senior principal lawyer, employment and partnership at Slater and Gordon.
"This morning, Philip, with the support of his legal team and the FDA, submitted a claim to the employment tribunal for unfair (constructive) dismissal and whistleblowing against the Home Secretary.
"Philip will not be making any further comment at this time."
It is understood the papers have been lodged at the Central London Employment Tribunal.
When Rutnam quit his post earlier this year, he launched a blistering attack on Patel, claiming he had been the target of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" which he accused her of orchestrating, and said the decision to resign was with "great regret after a career of 33 years".
In a statement released by his lawyers at that time, he said: "The Home Secretary categorically denied any involvement in this campaign to the Cabinet Office.
"I regret I do not believe her. She has not made the effort I would expect to dissociate herself from the comments."
He went on to claim that despite his efforts at reconciliation, Patel "made no effort to engage with me to discuss this", adding: "I believe these events give me very strong grounds to claim constructive, unfair dismissal and I will be pursuing that claim in the courts."
Reports of feuding at the top of the Home Office prompted the head of the Civil Service, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill, to tell all civil servants a week earlier that advice they provide for ministers and "any debates" around it should remain "private".
One report suggested Patel had tried to move Rutnam from her department after they had a series of rows.
It was also claimed in various reports that the Home Secretary was distrusted by intelligence chiefs – which the government denied.
Patel expressed concern at the "false" claims, while allies described her as a "demanding" boss but not a bully.
By Flora Thompson, PA Home Affairs Correspondent
source: PA
Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.