Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff
Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff Amid Turmoil
The Facts
Gray's departure comes amid reports of tensions between her and Starmer's chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, as well as controversy over her salary, which was reportedly higher than the Prime Minister's at 170,000 pounds ($223,000) annually.Sue Gray has stepped down as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, and will be replaced by the Prime Minister's chief adviser and former Labour election campaign leader Morgan McSweeney.
Following her resignation, Gray has accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy for the regions and nations, while Morgan McSweeney will replace her as chief of staff at Downing Street.Gray claimed in a statement that she was to stand down as chief of staff as "intense commentary" about her role "risked becoming a distraction" for the UK Government. Downing Street has confirmed that Gray will now take up the role of "envoy for the regions and nations."
The Spin
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Starmer's government is already in chaos. The product of a Downing Street civil war coupled with recent controversies over freebies and Labour sleaze, Gray's resignation demonstrates a dysfunctional operation that's struggling to maintain stability. The Prime Minister's inability to avoid such distractions raises questions about his leadership and the government's ability to focus on important issues.
