11:49 EDT, 27 April 2021
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A civil servants' union has won the right to challenge Boris Johnson in High Court after he backed Priti Patel in the bullying row.
The Association of First Division Civil Servants (FDA) launched judicial review proceedings in February over the Prime Minister's decision to disregard the findings of his adviser on ministerial standards.
Sir Alex Allan left his advisory role in Downing Street when Mr Johnson decided Ms Patel did not breach the rules, even after she was found to have bullied staff.
In February Ms Patel's permanent secretary Sir Philip Rutman resigned, claiming there had been a 'vicious and orchestrated' campaign against him. He said he intended to sue the Government for constructive dismissal.