Sue Gray steps down as Starmer’s chief of staff amid salary controversy
Sue Gray resigns to avoid distraction, takes on envoy role
Sue Gray has stepped down from her role as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, as announced by Number 10. She has been appointed as the prime minister’s envoy for nations and regions. Morgan McSweeney, the party’s former campaign director who led July’s election landslide, will take over as the prime minister’s chief of staff.
Ms Gray expressed that it had been “an honour to take on the role of chief of staff” but acknowledged that “intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government’s vital work of change”. She chose to step aside to prevent this and looks forward to supporting the prime minister in her new capacity.
The prime minister thanked Ms Gray for her support in both opposition and government and for her work in preparing for governance and initiating the programme of change. He noted her crucial role in strengthening relations with regions and nations and expressed his delight that she would continue to support this work.
Labour liars split and crumbling already. Has there ever been a shorter honeymoon than this.
And dumb Scots believed these unionist arseholes yet again! 🤦♂️
Sue Gray quits as Keir Starmer's chief of staff after war for supremacy in government https://t.co/LPg1Tanztn
— Jeff (@JeffBro47421173) October 6, 2024
Ms Gray’s resignation follows weeks of speculation and reports of a power struggle within the government. Tensions escalated when her £170,000 salary, £3,000 more than the prime minister’s, was leaked, seemingly to damage her politically.
A Conservative Party spokesperson described the developments as “chaos” and questioned the leadership, noting that the Labour government had been thrown into disarray within 100 days, losing a chief of staff central to a significant scandal.
Sir Keir Starmer has replaced Sue Gray with Morgan McSweeney, who previously served as his chief of staff during his early leadership in opposition. This move comes after complaints that the situation had become untenable, reflecting significant personnel errors.
Ms Gray, known as a fixer in Whitehall, faced criticism for perceived lack of progress in government preparations. However, the blame for these issues was attributed to Sir Keir, suggesting a lack of due diligence in her appointment.
https://t.co/H0o8n8xGZ2
Continual chaos at No.10. Now Sue Gray resigns as Starmer's chief of staff – three months after Labour was elected. She has overseen a string of scandals (frockgate and spectaclegate among them) and her own salary got leaked too as being higher than the…— Naomi Canton (@naomi2009) October 6, 2024
A Labour insider compared the current leadership chaos to that under Jeremy Corbyn, highlighting McSweeney’s previous tenure as chief of staff. In response to discontent over handling of freebies, donations, and axing winter fuel payments for most pensioners, Sir Keir announced a shake-up of his Downing Street team.
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been promoted to deputy chiefs of staff, and Nin Pandit has been appointed as principal private secretary. Former journalist James Lyons will lead a new strategic communications team.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with bringing talented and experienced individuals into his team, reinforcing his commitment to delivering the change the country voted for. Ms Gray’s advisory role will support Sir Keir and the cabinet in achieving their devolution agenda. However, a former senior adviser suggested that without direct authority and proximity to the prime minister, the ‘envoy’ role might lack significance in government.
What Other Media Are Saying
- SCMP reports Sue Gray, UK PM Starmer’s chief of staff, resigns over rising media scrutiny about her salary, exceeding Starmer’s by £3,000, citing distraction concerns.(read more)
- AP News reports Sue Gray resigned as chief of staff to UK PM Keir Starmer, citing media scrutiny that risked distracting from government work, amidst salary and gift controversy.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Sue Gray resign?
Sue Gray resigned to avoid becoming a distraction due to intense commentary around her position.
Who is replacing Sue Gray as chief of staff?
Morgan McSweeney, the party’s former campaign director, will replace Sue Gray as the prime minister’s chief of staff.
What will Sue Gray’s new role be?
Sue Gray has been appointed as the prime minister’s envoy for nations and regions.
Why was Sue Gray’s salary controversial?
Sue Gray’s salary was controversial because it was £3,000 more than the prime minister’s, causing political damage.
How has the Labour Party responded to the resignation?
The Labour Party announced a reorganization of its Downing Street operation, promoting new deputy chiefs of staff and appointing a new principal private secretary.
