British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, made headlines recently when she announced her resignation, citing concerns that the growing news reports about her role were becoming a distraction to the government. This decision came after reports surfaced about tensions between Gray and Starmer’s chief adviser, Morgan McSweeney, as well as the revelation that Gray was earning more than the prime minister himself.
According to the BBC, Gray’s annual salary was reported to be 170,000 pounds, which is approximately 3,000 pounds more than what Starmer earns. This disparity in pay raised eyebrows and added fuel to the ongoing discussions about Gray’s position within the government. In response to these developments, Gray decided to step down from her role as chief of staff and accepted a new position as Starmer’s envoy for the regions and nations. McSweeney will now take over as chief of staff at Downing Street.
Gray, a former senior civil servant, gained national recognition in 2022 when she led investigations into the „Partygate“ allegations involving former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff. Her findings played a significant role in Johnson’s resignation. After leaving the civil service, Gray joined the Labour party and took on the role of Starmer’s chief of staff.
In addition to Gray’s resignation, other changes were announced within the Downing Street operation, including the establishment of a new strategic communications team. These adjustments come at a crucial time for Starmer, who became Britain’s first Labour prime minister in 14 years following a landslide election victory in July.
However, Starmer has not been without his share of controversies. Recent reports about Gray’s salary and allegations that he and his wife accepted expensive gifts have put him under scrutiny. Despite denying any wrongdoing, these issues have added to the challenges facing his government.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the resignation of Sue Gray and the subsequent changes within the Prime Minister’s office highlight the complexities and pressures of leadership in the public eye. The impact of these developments on Starmer’s administration and the government’s ability to focus on its agenda remain to be seen.