What Sue Gray’s departure means for Starmer
Spectator (UK)SEP 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.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 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 in a statement said she was stepping down because "intense commentary" about her role "risked becoming a distraction" for the government. Downing Street has confirmed that Gray will next take on the role of "envoy for the regions and nations."
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.Before becoming Starmer's chief of staff in spring 2023, Gray held the civil service role of second permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office, and led the UK's 'Partygate' COVID-19 inquiry.
TheStarmer shake-upneeded into Downingshake Streetthings wasup anin much-anticiaptedorder step to reset Starmer's government and put an end to the internal drama that's havebeen overshadoweda distraction during his first months in office. WhilstSome somesay may view Gray's ousting asis unfair, but it's has now been well-documented that there waswere ongoing problemproblems inside No. 10 that required a swift remedy. Unfortunately,Once once Gray had caught the media's attention it was only a matter of time before her exit was confirmed.
Starmer's government iswas already in chaos. Thebefore productthis ofshakeup a— Downingwith Streeta civil war coupledgoing withon recentwithin controversiesDowning overStreet freebies and Labourrecent sleaze,public controversies. Gray's resignation demonstrates a dysfunctional operation that's struggling to maintain stability. The Prime MinisterStarmer's inability to avoid such distractions raises questions about his leadership and the government's ability to focus on important issues should be questioned.