THE Home Office's top civil servant has quit following reports of tensions with Home Secretary Priti Patel. 

Sir Philip Rutnam, who has been the Home Office permanent secretary since 2017, saying he had been the target of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign".

Speaking to BBC News, Rutnam also warned he wishes to sue the UK Government for "constructive dismissal".

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He said: "I have this morning resigned as permanent secretary of the Home Office. I take this decision with great regret after a career of 33 years.

"I am making this statement now because I will be issuing a claim against the Home Office for constructive dismissal.

"In the last 10 days I have been the target of a vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign.

"It has been alleged that I have briefed the media against the Home Secretary.

"This along with many other claims is completely false."

More to follow.