Politics
Harriet Harman Defends Sue Gray’s Salary Amid Controversy, Insists Pay is Justified Despite Exceeding PM’s Wage
Baroness Harriet Harman has defended Sue Gray's salary, stating it is appropriate for her role, despite claims that she earns more than the Prime Minister. On the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Baroness Harman praised Gray as "exceptionally talented," while Ruth Davidson commented that the source of the salary leak aimed to undermine her by attacking her credibility.
Political correspondent @FaithLRidler
Friday, September 20, 2024, 06:
Former Labour MP Harriet Harman has defended Sir Keir Starmer's chief adviser's salary, stating that it is appropriate for the position, even though it reportedly exceeds the prime minister's salary by £3,000.
The Baroness, who has become a peer and also co-hosts the Electoral Dysfunction podcast on Sky News, mentioned that Sue Gray's alleged salary exceeding £170,000 is simply "the rate for the job."
Tensions flared in the government on Wednesday following allegations that Sir Keir's chief of staff got a salary increase post-July's general election, reportedly elevating her pay beyond that of the prime minister. Sir Keir earns an annual salary of £167,000.
Baroness Harman has spoken in support of Ms. Gray's compensation on the podcast, describing her as an "extremely competent individual" who earns what the position demands.
She mentioned, "The cabinet secretary has a salary of £200,000. The head of Manchester City Council earns £220,000."
"Some may argue that the salary for this public service position is excessive, yet it is important to recognize that her compensation is appropriate for the role, especially given her outstanding capabilities."
During a series of local press interviews on Thursday, Sir Keir affirmed that he maintains full authority, regardless of the ongoing disputes.
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When questioned by BBC South East about why Ms. Gray's salary was higher than his, the prime minister responded, "I'm not going to delve into conversations regarding the specific pay of any of my team members. I'm sure you wouldn't anticipate that from me."
When questioned about his leadership over his team after receiving updates on the issue, Sir Keir stated, "I am fully in charge. My attention is undivided, and my daily directive to the team remains consistent: we must deliver."
Baroness Harman expressed concern that individuals "inside Downing Street" are leaking and making salary information public.
She mentioned that the prime minister would likely be interested in identifying the source of these briefings, as they violate the ministerial code.
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Ex-leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, now a co-host on Electoral Dysfunction alongside Baroness Harman and political editor Beth Rigby, characterized the briefing as a "thorough drive-by."
She stated: "This person made a deliberate choice to destroy her, aiming to completely undermine her. They meticulously orchestrated it, packaged it beautifully with a bow, and presented it on a gleaming silver platter."
"They handed it over, specifically to the BBC in this instance. They were fully aware of their actions and the timing of it, right before the party conference."
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The disclosure of Ms. Gray's substantial salary might pose an awkward situation for Sir Keir, especially since he had earlier lambasted the high earnings of Dominic Cummings, who served as chief of staff under Boris Johnson.
The administration acknowledges the salary amount but maintains that she did not determine her own pay, which exceeds that of her predecessor.
Critics, who are well-versed in the procedure, have contested this viewpoint. They pointed out that former chiefs of staff, who served before Ms. Gray, were required to concur with suggestions regarding adviser salaries and provide guidance on the decisions taken by ministers.
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