Sue Gray has stepped down from her role as the chief of staff at Downing Street due to concerns that she was becoming a hindrance to Keir Starmer’s administration. Incidents of discord within Number 10 reportedly involving Ms. Gray, particularly with Mr. Starmer’s primary advisor, Morgan McSweeney, who will inherit her position, have come to light.
Recognised as the party’s election strategist, Mr. McSweeney was instrumental in Mr. Starmer’s succession from Jeremy Corbyn. Despite high-ranking Labour officials downplaying the friction between Ms. Gray and Mr. McSweeney, who are both closely connected to the Prime Minister, one cabinet member suggested that the future was uncertain for either one or both of them. This minister was quoted by The Guardian weeks ago saying, “One or both of them will have to go. It’s not going to be Morgan.”
Ms. Gray is set to assume a fresh role in the government as the prime minister’s representative for regional and national matters, as announced by No 10. This shift comes at a time when Mr. Starmer is making sweeping changes to his top team due to the pressure to terminate hostile briefings that had occasionally eclipsed his initial 100-day tenure.
In an attempt to alter the narrative, the Prime Minister contended that he made these alterations to reinforce his Downing Street operation just before celebrating his first 100 days in office. On Sunday, Ms. Gray issued a statement expressing her satisfaction at the acceptance of her new role.
Mr. Starmer expressed his gratitude to Ms. Gray for her unwavering support both in the Opposition and Government, appreciating her efforts in preparing the party for governance and initiating their programme of change. He praised Ms. Gray’s endeavours in fortifying the party’s relationships across regions and nations, expressing his pleasure for her to continue serving in that capacity. Ms. Gray declared it a privilege to have served as the chief of staff and to have significantly contributed to the delivery of a Labour Government.
Throughout her professional journey, her primary concern has consistently been centred around serving the public. Regrettably, the prevalence of heated discussion surrounding her role has proved to potentially act as a detraction from the government’s pressing mission of transformation, which has influenced her decision to step down. Her future intentions include firmly supporting the Prime Minister in her shifted capacity.
In the last month, confidential information revealing that Ms Gray’s salary exceeded that of the Prime Minister was reluctantly shared with the BBC. This happened amid a series of unflattering briefings as the chief of staff. It was disclosed to the broadcaster that Ms Gray’s earnings were approximately £170,000 (€203,123), a sum £3,000 higher than Mr Starmer’s remuneration.
The Prime Minister notably avoided providing commentary on the alleged internal disputes between Ms Gray and her team, including Mr McSweeney, when questioned last month. On rejecting to comment, he clarified in September: “I have never indulged in discussions related to individual staff members. Maintaining professional confidentiality regarding my team has been my steadfast rule whether during tenure in opposition or as director of public prosecutions – a rule which also stood in instances where high-ranking staff garnered interest. It’s an obligation towards all staff to protect their respect which prohibits me from openly discussing their concerns in a forum such as this.” Credit: Agencies.