Corby MP backing Priti Patel in row over bullying inquiry

Corby MP Tom Pursglove last night backed under-fire Home Secretary Priti Patel after reports she broke rules on ministers' behaviour.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out his decision later on Friday following the results of an inquiry into Ms Patel's conduct.

She has always strongly denied allegations of bullying.

Ministers are normally expected to resign over such breaches the code. But a number of fellow Tory MPs — including Mr Pursglove — rallied to Ms Patel's side, describing her as a determined person doing a tough job.

He tweeted: "Priti Patel has a tough job, but is delivering on the key things people in Corby want to see: More police on the beat, a fairer immigration system, greater protection from terrorist threats, robust action to tackle domestic abuse & the list goes on.

"Lots achieved, more to do!

"And in my experience, not only is Priti Patel massively hard-working, but she is refreshingly determined to deliver on the policies she has championed, feels the weight of keeping her promises, is principled, quietly kind and does what she says she will.

"She is a first class Home Secretary!"

The inquiry was launched following the resignation of Home Office boss Sir Philip Rutnam in February.

Sir Philip — who is suing for constructive dismissal — claimed that staff felt Ms Patel had "created fear".

The report was carried out by Sir Alex Allan, the Government's independent adviser on standards, but has not been published so far.

Labour is demanding the full findings be made public and accused the PM of a cover-up.