A former top civil servant at the Home Office has settled his employment tribunal claim against the government.

Sir Philip Rutnam resigned from his role as the department’s permanent secretary last year, amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel.

Announcing his departure, Sir Philip accused the home secretary of a “vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign” against him.

Ms Patel has rejected all claims of bullying that have been made against her.

Sir Philip, who was claiming “constructive dismissal”, said in a statement released through the FDA union: “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.”

He added: “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 government said it “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,” it said in a statement.

A Home Office spokesperson 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.”

A 10-day tribunal had been scheduled to begin in September.

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