On Wednesday Johnson disclosed a set of rules under which Christopher Geidt, the new independent adviser on ministerial interests, would work. But he decided not to accept a recommendation from the committee to allow Lord Geidt to launch his own inquiries.
Penman, whose union represents dozens of permanent secretaries, said Johnson had missed a chance to win back trust after clearing Priti Patel of bullying last year.
âIn his actions over the investigation into the home secretary, he demonstrated that he prioritises his own political interests over the wellbeing of civil servants who serve him,â he said. âRetaining a veto over whether an investigation can even be launched into a ministerâs conduct makes clear that those priorities have not changed.â