Reuters

Priti Patel has been home secretary since Boris Johnson became prime minister

The Home Office has dismissed what it says are false allegations against Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Ms Patel was accused last week of trying to force out the most senior civil servant in her department.

And the government has denied MI5 held back information from Ms Patel, following reports that officials lacked confidence in her abilities.

Ms Patel was "deeply concerned" by the number of recent claims, the Home Office said.

A spokesman said Ms Patel and Sir Philip Rutnam, who has been the Home Office's permanent secretary since April 2017, were "deeply concerned about the number of false allegations appearing in the media".

He added the pair were focused on delivering their department's "hugely important agenda" such as an overhaul of the immigration system, putting more police officers on the streets and combating terrorism.

The statement comes after a source told the BBC there had been no animosity or "blazing rows" between Ms Patel and Sir Philip but they were simply "not the right fit".

Conservative MP and former cabinet minister Stephen Crabb told Radio 4's Westminster Hour Ms Patel was "tough" and "robust" but that he had seen no evidence of the behaviour she had been accused of.