Salary Scandal or Fair Pay? Harriet Harman Defends Sue Gray’s Earnings Amidst Political Storm

Baroness Harman, during her appearance on the podcast Electoral Dysfunction, defended Sue Gray's salary, stating it was justified for her role despite claims she makes more than the Prime Minister. She praised Gray as "exceptionally talented." Additionally, Ruth Davidson commented that the source who disclosed the salary details aimed to undermine Gray significantly.

Political correspondent @FaithLRidler

Friday, September 20, 2024, 06:

Former Labour MP Harriet Harman has defended the salary of Sir Keir Starmer's chief adviser, stating that she is "appropriately compensated," even though her earnings surpass those of the prime minister by £3,000.

The Baroness, who is now a peer and also co-hosts the Electoral Dysfunction podcast on Sky News, mentioned that Sue Gray's reported annual salary exceeding £170,000 is simply "the rate for the job."

On Wednesday, tensions flared in the government following allegations that Sir Keir's chief of staff got a salary increase post-July's general election, reportedly pushing her earnings higher than the prime minister's. Sir Keir earns an annual salary of £167,000.

Baroness Harman has spoken in support of Ms. Gray's earnings, describing her on the podcast as an "exceptionally competent individual" who receives a salary that is "appropriate for her position."

She stated, "The cabinet secretary makes £200,000, while the head of Manchester City Council earns £220,000."

"Some may argue that the salaries for public service roles are excessively high, yet in her case, the compensation is justified given her exceptional skills and the demands of her position."

During a series of local media interviews on Thursday, Sir Keir emphasized that he is "fully in charge," despite the ongoing controversy.

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When questioned by BBC South East regarding why Ms. Gray earns a higher salary than he does, the prime minister responded, "I'm not going to delve into conversations regarding the specific wages of any members of my team. I'm sure you wouldn't anticipate that from me."

When asked if he maintained control over his team after receiving updates on the issue, Sir Keir stated, "I'm totally in charge. I remain concentrated, and my daily directive to the team is consistent: we must deliver."

Baroness Harman expressed concern that individuals "within Downing Street" are leaking and making salary information public.

She stated that the prime minister "would need to determine who is responsible for this leak as it violates the ministerial code."

Further reading: Starmer's attempts to rationalize accepting complimentary gifts only deepens the controversy. Rejecting free tickets would result in hefty expenses for taxpayers, should the Prime Minister decline them.

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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 explained: "This was a person who made a deliberate choice to target her, intending to completely bring her down. They meticulously organized it, dressed it up neatly with a bow, and presented it on a gleaming silver platter.

"They handed it over 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 put Sir Keir in an awkward position, especially since he has previously condemned the high earnings of Dominic Cummings, who served as chief of staff to Boris Johnson.

The administration acknowledges the salary amount but maintains that she did not determine her own pay, which exceeds that of her predecessor.

Nonetheless, individuals acquainted with the matter have contested this, pointing out that previous chiefs of staff before Ms. Gray were required to concur with suggestions regarding adviser salaries and provide guidance on the choices taken by ministers.

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