THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020PM dodges question over
knowledge of Patel claims
Boris Johnson promised at PMQs to ‘stick by’ the home secretary (AFP/Getty)
ROB MERRICK
DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR
Boris Johnson has refused to say if he was aware of bullying allegations against Priti Patel when he brought
her back to the cabinet after a previous scandal. The prime minister ducked the question in the Commons
yesterday as Jeremy Corbyn condemned what he suggested appeared to be “a shocking and unacceptable
pattern of behaviour” by the beleaguered home secretary.
Sitting alongside Ms Patel, the prime minister instead offered her his staunch support, insisting she was
“doing an outstanding job” and adding: “I am sticking by her.”