Turmoil at the Top: Sue Gray Skips Labour Conference Amid Pay Controversy and UN Duties

Sky News has learned that Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's embattled chief of staff, will not attend the Labour Party conference. Instead, Ms. Gray, who is currently embroiled in a controversy over briefings as the party convenes in Liverpool, will be getting ready for an important UN conference scheduled for next week.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:

Sue Gray, chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer, will be absent from this year’s Labour Party conference following rumors of internal disputes regarding her salary.

Reports indicate that the prime minister's embattled chief of staff is currently active in Downing Street, focusing on governmental duties and gearing up for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for next week.

Ms. Gray, known for her investigation that highlighted gatherings at Downing Street during the pandemic—a factor in Boris Johnson's resignation—has become the focus of aggressive briefings as the Labour Party gathers in Liverpool for its yearly conference.

Tensions flared in the government on Wednesday following allegations that the chief of staff to Sir Keir received a salary increase post the general election in July, purportedly elevating her pay above that of the prime minister. Sir Keir earns an annual salary of £167,000.

In what seems to be a move to undermine her politically, it was revealed that Ms. Gray earns a salary of £170,000, information that was disclosed to the BBC. Additionally, it was reported that lower-ranking staff members expressed dissatisfaction over their wages, which had not increased from the levels they received while Labour was out of power, even though they now hold higher positions in the government.

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

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Nevertheless, individuals acquainted with the procedure have contested this. They stated that prior chiefs of staff before Ms. Gray were required to concur with suggestions regarding adviser salaries and provide guidance on the choices taken by ministers.

The prime minister has tried to put an end to the controversy surrounding Ms. Gray, asserting that he was "fully in charge," even amidst the leaks coming from the heart of the government.

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When queried about why Ms. Gray's salary was higher than his, the Prime Minister responded to BBC South East, stating, "I'm not going to delve into conversations regarding the specific earnings of my staff members. I'm sure you wouldn't anticipate that from me."

Asked about his command over his team after recent updates, he stated: "I have full control. I remain concentrated, and my daily directive to the team remains consistent: we must deliver."

Sir Keir and several members of the cabinet have faced critical media coverage concerning the gifts and donations they've received.

Over the past week, the prime minister has faced intense scrutiny for accepting gifts valued at over £100,000, which include tickets to football games, concerts, and high-end apparel.

Though it was announced in accordance with the rules of parliament, several backbench MPs have voiced worries that the government's narrative of making hard economic choices clashes with the perception of a prime minister receiving perks.

The record indicates that Ms. Rayner received donated apparel valued at £2,230.

Further Reading: Baroness Harriet Harman asserts Sue Gray is appropriately compensated for her role. Meanwhile, PM cautioned that Labour's potential win is exceptionally precarious, amidst ongoing controversies over complimentary gifts.

The disagreement reached a peak with Sir Keir, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner all agreeing to decline any future donations for clothing purchases, as part of their efforts to put the issue behind them.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stood by her acceptance of a £14,000 donation from a Labour peer caught up in a controversy over perks, stating this morning that the donation was "fully and correctly declared."

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A report by the Mail on Sunday alleged that the minister utilized funds from Lord Waheed Alli to cover expenses for her 40th birthday celebration.

Ms. Phillipson explained on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that the donation covered the costs for two gatherings in a "professional… work context", which were attended by individuals from the education field, labor unions, and political journalism.

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