What Sue Gray’s departure means for Starmer
Spectator (UK)OCT 20 2024
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.
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."Gray claimed in a statement that she was to stand down as chief of staff because "intense commentary" about her role "risked becoming a distraction" for the UK Government. Downing Street has confirmed that Gray will now take on the role of "envoy for the regions and nations."
Gray had previously been criticized for taking a political role after her COVID-19 party report, whilst more recent media scrutiny has concerned the former-chief of staff's pay, her relation with McSweeney and Cabinet Secretary Simon Chase, as well as her management of donations and gifts to Starmer and the new Labour Government.Before becoming Starmer's chief of staff in Spring 2023, Gray had held the civil service role of second permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office, and led the UK's 'Partygate' COVID-19 inquiry.
The shake-up in Downing Street was an much-anticiapted step to reset Starmer's government and put an end to the internal drama that have overshadowed his first months in office. Whilst some may view Gray's ousting as unfair, it has now been well-documented that there was ongoing problem inside No. 10 that required a swift remedy. Unfortunately, once Gray had caught the media's attention it was only a matter of time before her exit was confirmed.
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.