THE former Home Office mandarin who accused Home Secretary Priti Patel of a "vicious" campaign against him has begun his legal fight against the UK Government.
Sir Philip Rutnam resigned and went public with his claims in February in move that caused political shockwaves.
He had been the most senior official in the key department but accused Patel of bullying staff and belittling officials.
Patel has denied the allegations but is the subject of an inquiry into her behaviour.
This morning the FDA civil servants' union, which represents Rutman, announced the claim has now been put into action.
Rutman will use whistleblowing laws to speak out in what will be the first time a UK secretary of state has ever been sued by a former permanent secretary.
If he wins his case, there is no limit on the damages that could be paid out.
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA, stated: "This morning Sir Philip, with the support of his legal team and the FDA, submitted a claim to the employment tribunal for unfair (constructive) dismissal and whistleblowing against the home secretary.
"Sir Philip will not be making any further comment at this time.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: "We do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings."
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