Boris Johnson Applied Wrong Rules in Patel Bullying Probe, U.K. Union Says

  • FDA asks court to decide on PM’s use of Ministerial Code
  • London judges won’t look at bullying allegations against Patel

Priti Patel leaves Downing Street in London, on Sept. 15.

Photographer: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson didn’t follow the correct rules when investigating allegations of bullying made against his Home Secretary Priti Patel, trade union lawyers said.

Johnson “misinterpreted” the term bullying in the Ministerial Code, lawyers for the FDA union said at a London court hearing on Wednesday. The code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers. FDA represent professionals in public service.