Regarding the allegations of bullying by the new Home Secretary Priti Patel, there’s one key question to ask: When was the last time the Home Office was fit for purpose? It’s been a disaster under the Tories, under the coalition and under ten years of Labour rule. So it seems wrong to suggest the fault lies with the different politicians who’ve been in charge during those periods. It’s the civil service that’s the constant. Permanent secretaries are almost impossible to get rid of. When Henry VIII had a disagreement with officials like Sir Thomas More he had them sent to the Tower. He wouldn’t have accomplished anything if the system meant he kept being taken to an employment tribunal. Keep going Priti.

Dr Scott Marmion, Woodthorpe