EXCLUSIVE with @oliver_wright

Boris Johnson asked Sir Alex Allan to tone down report which found Priti Patel had bullied civil servants

‘He didn’t think Alex’s findings accorded with the evidence

‘He spoke to Alex and asked him if he’d change the tone of it. Alex said no’ https://twitter.com/mshelicat/status/1329899412206854145

Whitehall sources told The Times that Boris Johnson asked Sir Alex Allan to change his report to state that there was not clear evidence of bullying at home office

Sir Alex refused and said he’s quit if the PM overruled him - which is exactly what happened today

No 10 tonight confirmed Boris Johnson spoke to Sir Alex about report but did not comment on whether he asked him to tone it down

‘As you would expect, the PM spoke to Sir Alex Allan to further his understanding of the issues

‘Sir Alex’s conclusions are entirely his own’

You can read our report here:

Priti Patel: Defiant Boris Johnson digs in over bullying https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/priti-patel-defiant-boris-johnson-digs-in-over-bullying-tmpzv5j2c