Ruth Davidson Urges Keir Starmer to Address Leaks and Fire Responsible Advisers Amid Sue Gray Salary Controversy

Ruth Davidson has suggested that Sir Keir Starmer needs to sternly reprimand his advisers and dismiss those responsible for the leaks about Sue Gray, as discussed on Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast during a live session at the Labour Party Conference.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 23, 2024, 6:

The ex-chief of the Scottish Conservatives has stated that Sir Keir Starmer needs to identify and openly dismiss whoever is responsible for the leaks concerning Sue Gray.

Ruth Davidson, co-presenter of Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction, stated during a live podcast event that political advisors at Downing Street should be sternly warned and made aware that "journalists are not your allies."

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In the conversation, Harriet Harman, who transitioned from being a Labour MP to a peer, proposed that the criticisms directed at the Prime Minister's chief of staff might be motivated by gender bias.

Baroness Harman expressed, "Young men often struggle with the concept of an older woman in a position of power."

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Ms. Gray, known for her report on parties at Downing Street during the pandemic that played a role in Boris Johnson's resignation, is now facing negative briefings as the Labour Party gathers its members for its annual conference in Liverpool. This marks the first conference they've held while in power in 15 years.

The disagreement began on Wednesday following reports that her salary increased post-election, surpassing the prime minister's annual earnings of £167,000.

Further Discussion on Electoral Issues

Baroness Harriet Harman Defends Sue Gray's Salary, Asserting It Matches Her Position Despite Earnings Surpassing Those of the Prime Minister

Baroness Harriet Harman claims that Keir Starmer's attempts to defend accepting freebies are exacerbating the situation.

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Relevant Issues:

It has been disclosed to the BBC, seemingly with the intention of undermining her politically, that Ms. Gray's current salary is £170,000. This revelation has caused discontent among some of the junior staff, who are upset because their salaries are lower than what they earned when the Labour Party was not in power, even though they now hold higher positions in the government.

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The administration acknowledges the salary amount but maintains that she did not determine it herself, contrary to what some sources have suggested.

Ms. Davidson expressed that the salary of Ms. Gray being higher than that of the prime minister was not of concern; rather, the focus should be on what the leaked documents reveal about the workings of Number 10.

"She emphasized that Sir Keir Starmer ought to identify where the leaks are coming from," she stated.

Further reading: Gray will not attend Labour conference. Despite rumors, adviser's salary deemed appropriate for the role, even surpassing that of the PM.

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Ms. Davidson stated: "If I were in charge of the Number 10 team at this moment, I would gather all the political advisors and give them a stern warning."

"I'd argue that journalists aren't your allies. Once you're in a governmental role, they won't be attending personal events like your children's christenings. Your true loyalty should be to your colleagues. Following that, I would terminate three individuals publicly."

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The gathering also listened to statements from Home Office minister Jess Phillips, who expressed her skepticism regarding rumors that Ms. Gray might step down due to the briefings.

"She doesn't seem to be leaving," she commented, further stating: "From what I've seen, the notion of disarray or mismanagement at Number 10 doesn't ring true to me."

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