Oops! Suella Braverman disowns Tory attack email sent out in her name that blamed civil servants for ‘blocking’ efforts to stop illegal immigration – as Rishi Sunak says he does not agree with the accusation

Suella Braverman today disowned a Tory attack email sent out in her name that blamed civil servants for ‘blocking’ efforts to curb illegal immigration.

The Home Secretary ‘did not see, sign off or sanction’ the missive that was circulated by the party last night.

It included a vicious salvo at ‘an activist blob of left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour Party’ for thwarting government policies.

Unions responded with fury, accusing Ms Braverman of breaking the ministerial code with the ‘factually incorrect’ complaint.

But Rishi Sunak’s press secretary told journalists this afternoon that Ms Braverman had nothing to do with the message. And pressed on whether Mr Sunak agreed with the sentiment, she said: ‘No.’

The spokeswoman directed further questions to Tory HQ, suggesting there had been ‘operational issues’ that will be ‘reviewed’.

‘Obviously there would have to be ministerial sign-off usually on things where their name is included on it or it goes out in their name,’ she said, suggesting that on this occasion the process was not followed.

Suella Braverman today disowned a Tory attack email sent out in her name that blamed civil servants for ‘blocking’ efforts to curb illegal immigration

The Home Secretary ‘did not see, sign off or sanction’ the missive that was circulated by the party last night (pictured)

Ms Braverman ‘had a busy day’ launching the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill designed to stop small boats crossing the Channel, she added.

Asked if CCHQ had apologised to the Home Secretary for the blunder, the press secretary said she was not aware of any ‘conversations’ with Ms Braverman.

CCHQ confirmed it is ‘reviewing’ its internal clearance processes.

A party spokesman said: ‘This was a CCHQ email and the wording wasn’t seen by the Home Secretary. We are now reviewing our internal clearance processes.’

Earlier Dave Penman, boss of the FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, wrote to the PM saying the statement must be publicly withdrawn, and demanding an apology from Ms Braverman.

‘I am sure I do not need to remind you that paragraph 5.1 of the ministerial code states that ‘ministers must uphold the political impartiality of the civil service,’ he wrote.

‘I cannot see how the Home Secretary’s statement to Conservative Party members can be reconciled with her obligations under the code.’

The union chief called for Mr Sunak to ensure the ‘statement is publicly withdrawn as a matter of urgency’ and that Ms Braverman apologises to staff.

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