Sir Philip Rutnam v Home Office has been ranked by The Lawyer as one of the top 20 cases of 2021. The trial is listed to commence at Central London Employment Tribunal on 20th September. Sir Philip Rutnam is represented by Littleton’s Head of Chambers, Gavin Mansfield KC.
Please click here to view The Lawyer Top 20 Cases for 2021.
In what is a brewing legal headache for the UK Government, this September will see Sir Philip Rutnam pursue his explosive Employment Tribunal claim against the Home Office. With Home Secretary Priti Patel in the claimant’s firing line, the case concerns allegations of bullying following Rutnam’s claim of unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.
Prior to his high-profile resignation in February 2020, Rutnam was the most senior civil servant in the Home Office. It was immediately after his departure that he set out his plans to sue the UK Government, claiming Patel’s conduct amounted to shouting, swearing and making unreasonable demands. He also alleged he was the target of a “vicious and orchestrated” briefing campaign.
Rutnam’s claim is one of “protected disclosures” under whistleblowing laws, meaning that compensation will be uncapped and without a ceiling of £85,000 for damages. Patel has denied all allegations made against her.
Littleton Chambers’ Gavin Mansfield KC instructed by Slater & Gordon partner Edward Cooper
Old Square Chambers’ Ben Cooper KC and Laith Dilaimi, and 11KBW’s Tom Cross and Daniel Isenberg, instructed by the Government Legal Department
