THE former top civil servant in the Home Office has settled his employment tribunal claim against Priti Patel for a six-figure sum.

Sir Philip Rutnam, who served as the department's ex-permanent secretary, began proceedings against the Home Secretary last year after quitting his post in February.

He accused the Tory minister of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" against him.

Patel rejected all claims of bullying made against her.

The tribunal was due to take place in September, with all the allegations made public.  

However, in a statement via the FDA Union on Thursday, Rutnam said the Government had decided to settle.

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He said: "I am pleased to say that the Government has today settled the claims that I brought against them and which were due to be heard in an employment tribunal in September.

"I have received excellent support during this process and I would like to express warm thanks to the FDA and to my legal team, Slater and Gordon and Gavin Mansfield QC.

"I also want to record my appreciation and thanks to the many individuals, known and unknown to me, who have expressed their support throughout.

"This settlement resolves my own case. The FDA is continuing to pursue in separate proceedings the wider issues that have been raised.

"I now look forward to the next stages of my career."

The UK Government said it "regrets the circumstances surrounding Sir Philip's resignation".

In a statement, it said: "Sir Philip Rutnam resigned from his post as permanent secretary of the Home Office on February 29, 2020, and subsequently began legal proceedings against the Home Office.

"Joining the civil service in 1987, Sir Philip is a distinguished public servant. During this period he held some of the most senior positions in the Civil Service including as permanent secretary of the Department for Transport and the Home Office.

"The then cabinet secretary wrote to Sir Philip when he resigned. This letter recognises his devoted public service and excellent contribution; the commitment and dedication with which he approached his senior leadership roles; and the way in which his conduct upheld the values inherent in public service.

"The Government regrets the circumstances surrounding Sir Philip's resignation. The Government and Sir Philip are now pleased that a settlement has been reached to these proceedings."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Government and Sir Philip's representatives have jointly concluded that it is in both parties' best interests to reach a settlement at this stage rather than continuing to prepare for an employment tribunal.

"The Government does not accept liability in this matter and it was right that the Government defended the case."

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The wider issues referred to by Rutnam includes the FDA's judicial review of Boris Johnson’s decision to overrule his own ethics adviser.

Sir Alex Allan resigned in November after the Prime Minister rejected the findings of his investigation into the allegations around Patel.

His report found that the Home Secretary’s frustration with staff “has manifested itself in forceful expression, including some occasions of shouting and swearing”, adding: “This may not be done intentionally to cause upset, but that has been the effect on some individuals.”

He said she may have unintentionally breached the ministerial code.