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Snapshot 6:Mon, Oct 7, 2024 6:29:04 PM GMT last edited by MattKalman

Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff

Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff

Above: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray Image copyright: Liam McBurney/Contributor/PA Images via Getty Images

The Facts

  • 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."


The Spin

TheIt shake-up in Downing Street was anwise much-anticiaptedof stepStarmer to resetshake Starmer'sthings governmentup andin putorder anto 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.


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