Sue Gray Steps Down as Chief of Staff Amid Downing Street Turmoil, Takes on New Role as PM’s Envoy

Sue Gray steps down as Downing Street Chief of Staff

After weeks of damaging leaks and internal disputes that cast a shadow over Labour’s party conference in Liverpool, the senior civil servant and investigator of the partygate scandal has resigned.

Political correspondent @Journoamrogers

Sunday, October 6, 2024 5:49

Number 10 has confirmed that Sue Gray has stepped down from her role as chief of staff for Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms. Gray has been named the prime minister's representative for national and regional affairs.

Morgan McSweeney, who orchestrated the party's overwhelming victory in the July elections as the former campaign director, is set to take over as the chief of staff for the prime minister, succeeding her in the role.

Ms. Gray stated that although she was honored to serve as chief of staff, the growing scrutiny surrounding her role threatened to divert attention from the government's crucial agenda for change.

"That's why I've decided to step down, and I'm eager to keep supporting the prime minister in my new capacity."

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The prime minister expressed gratitude toward Ms. Gray, renowned for her investigation into the Downing Street gatherings amid the pandemic, acknowledging her for "the considerable assistance she has provided me, throughout my time in both opposition and in office, as well as her efforts in readying us for governance and initiating our agenda for transformation."

"He emphasized Sue's critical contribution to enhancing our connections with various regions and countries, expressing his pleasure that she will persist in aiding these efforts."

Ms. Gray has stepped down after ongoing rumors regarding her position and stories of internal conflicts within the government's core.

The controversy surrounding Ms. Gray's position intensified after it was revealed that she earns £170,000, which is £3,000 more than the prime minister. This information was disclosed to the BBC in what seemed to be an effort to undermine her politically.

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The media outlet shared that less senior employees were unhappy because their salaries had not increased from the time when Labour was not in power, even though they now held higher positions in the government.

Government plunged into disarray

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party labeled the recent developments in Downing Street as "chaos" and raised concerns about the leadership of the country.

"Less than 100 days into Sir Keir Starmer's tenure, his Labour administration is facing turmoil. The departure of his chief of staff, who was embroiled in the party’s ongoing scandal, has only added to the chaos," they stated.

Responsibility for this chaos rests on Sir Keir

Assistant political editor

Sir Keir Starmer has come full circle. At noon, he substituted Sue Gray, the ex-civil servant whose selection had brought him considerable trouble, with Morgan McSweeney.

The promotion of his campaign manager was generally well-received, yet it remains an intriguing decision.

Mr. McSweeney initially served as his chief of staff during his time in the opposition in 2020 and continued in this role for the first 14 months of his leadership. His tenure ended following a mishandled reshuffle in 2021.

Cabinet officials and Labour representatives are likely optimistic that he will be more suitable in his second attempt.

By taking this step, the prime minister essentially acknowledges significant errors in staffing, compelled to make changes after facing unsustainable criticism from all quarters.

Central to her departure, Ms. Gray, widely recognized in Whitehall as the ultimate problem solver, was forced to leave because it appeared that no problems were actually being solved.

She oversaw the government's planning efforts, yet by July 5th, the preparations seemed inadequate and subsequent progress was sluggish.

Responsibility for this should not fall on her, but rather on Sir Keir. Had there been thorough vetting prior to the appointment, it might have been possible to foresee some of these issues.

Sue Gray was appointed to implement a government program, but what we have observed since then is a government focused on serving itself.

"The remaining query is: who will take charge of the nation?"

A source affiliated with the Labour Party revealed to Sky News that despite the leadership's prolonged emphasis on enhancing the party's professionalism, the recent turmoil surrounding Keir Starmer closely mirrors the disarray experienced under Jeremy Corbyn.

They noted that Mr. McSweeney had held the position of chief of staff for Sir Keir from 2020 to 2021, prior to transitioning to a role in his campaign.

In a significant statement made on Sunday, Sir Keir revealed a comprehensive overhaul of his Downing Street team amid concerns about the party's management of controversies related to perks and contributions, along with its recent decision to cut winter fuel allowances for the majority of elderly people.

Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have advanced to the positions of deputy chiefs of staff, and Nin Pandit has been named as Sir Keir's principal private secretary.

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In other news, ex-reporter James Lyons is set to come on board from TikTok to head up a newly formed strategic communications division.

The prime minister expressed his delight at being able to incorporate such skilled and seasoned professionals into his team.

"He emphasized his unwavering commitment to enact the reforms that the nation has chosen."

An informant revealed to Sky News that information about Ms. Gray's resignation emerged on Sunday, following the leak of Monday's restructuring announcement plans to the press.

She will guide Sir Keir and his cabinet members as they implement their plans for devolution.

A previous high-ranking adviser at Downing Street expressed to Sky News that without the backing and close relationship with the prime minister, this 'envoy' role will lack significance within the government.

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