Keir Starmer’s chief aide to SIR Sue Gray has dramatically resigned as chief of staff after finding herself at the center of a political firestorm.
Ms Gray said she did not want to become a “distraction” and would now serve as the Prime Minister’s envoy for regions and nations.
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Sue Gray has resigned as head of Sir Keir Starmer’s Labor administrationCredit: Getty
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Conservatives say Sir Keir’s government is now in ‘chaos’Credit: Reuters
Her departure followed weeks of hostile briefings focused on her alleged micromanagement style, Labour’s perceived unpreparedness for Government and her inability to prevent or manage the grants dispute.
Pressure on Ms Gray intensified last month when details of her £170,000 salary were leaked to the press.
The former Whitehall decency and ethics chief said in a statement: “Having led Labour’s preparations for government and launched work on our agenda for change, I look forward to using my experience to support the Prime Minister and Cabinet to help deliver results of government objectives in the nations and regions of the United Kingdom.
Ms Gray added: “Throughout my career my first interest has always been public service. However, in recent weeks it has become clear to me that the intense commentary surrounding my position risks derailing the Government’s vital work for change.
“For this reason I have decided to stand aside and look forward to continuing to support the Prime Minister in my new role.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I want to thank Sue for all the support she has given me, both in opposition and in government, and her work to prepare us for government and drive our change agenda.
“Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relationships with regions and nations. I am delighted that she will continue to support this work.”
The Prime Minister has been quick to bolster his Downing Street team, announcing a series of new appointments to strengthen his leadership and stabilize his business.
Electoral board chief Morgan McSweeney will replace Ms Gray as his chief of staff, stepping up to his role as head of political strategy.
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson were promoted to Deputy Chiefs of Staff, while Nin Pandit was appointed Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.
Partygate inquisitor Sue Gray DID breach civil service rules by holding secret talks with Starmer, government inquiry finds
James Lyons will lead the new strategic communications team, joining from TikTok.
Her resignation comes after an information war against her with a Labor insider comparing her to “Darth Vader” from Star Wars.
Sue Gray’s departure is the result of “vicious Labor infighting”, the Conservative leadership candidate has claimed.
Robert Jenrick said: “Less than 100 days in and this Labor government is in complete disarray.
“(Sir Keir) Starmer is without a national security adviser, a private secretary and the most senior civil servant has accelerated his departure.
“Now his hand-picked chief of staff has been driven out by fierce Labor infighting. This Government is in free fall.”
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “In less than 100 days, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labor government has been thrown into chaos – he has lost his chief of staff at the center of a scandal that has engulfed the Labor Party.
“Sue Gray was brought in to deliver the program for the government and all we saw at that time was self-serving government. The only question that remains is who will lead the country now?”
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Sue Gray, seen here in 2020, says she didn’t want to become a ‘distraction’Credit: Getty
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