Resignation of Sue Gray Sparks Reorganization at Number 10
Morgan McSweeney has replaced Gray as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief adviser and the key figure behind Labour’s general election victory.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reorganized the Downing Street team after Sue Gray resigned as chief of staff.
Amidst a controversy over pay, Gray stepped down from her role on Sunday, citing that the intense scrutiny surrounding her position was distracting from the government’s work.
Questions arose about Gray’s salary and position after reports emerged that she was earning more than the prime minister. According to BBC, her salary of £170,000 exceeded Starmer’s by about £3,000.
“Throughout my career, my primary focus has always been public service. However, in recent weeks, it had become evident to me that the intense focus on my position was overshadowing the crucial work of the government.
“For that reason, I have decided to step aside and look forward to continuing to support the Prime Minister in my new role,” she stated.
Gray, who led an inquiry into alleged parties held in Downing Street in violation of COVID-19 restrictions, accepted a job with Starmer in March.
This move sparked accusations from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Conservative MPs that she was politically biased and that her Partygate report was compromised. The appointments watchdog in Whitehall had approved Gray’s transition to the government as Labour’s chief of staff six months after leaving the civil service.
Starmer expressed gratitude to Gray for the support she provided him, both in opposition and in government. Gray will now serve as Starmer’s envoy for the regions and nations.
“Sue has been instrumental in strengthening our ties with the regions and nations. I am pleased that she will continue to assist in that effort,” he stated.
Revamp
The government has replaced Gray with Morgan McSweeney, a prominent political figure who led Labour’s general election campaign.
The restructuring also includes the appointment of two new deputy chiefs of staff, Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson. Alakeson served as Starmer’s director of external relations while in opposition and later joined Number 10 as political director.
Cuthbertson held the position of director of government relations in Downing Street following Labour’s landslide electoral triumph in July.
Additionally, Nin Pandit has been appointed as the principal private secretary to Starmer. Pandit, previously an executive at NHS Digital, joined Number 10 to head its policy unit.
Former NHS communications chief James Lyons has taken on the role of director of strategic communications, transitioning to Downing Street from TikTok.
Tory Response
In response to Gray’s resignation, the Conservatives asserted that Labour’s government was in disarray.
“In less than 100 days, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government has descended into chaos, losing its chief of staff who was at the center of the scandal engulfing the Labour Party,” a Conservative Party spokesperson remarked.
Leadership contender Robert Jenrick commented that Labour is facing turmoil within 100 days of taking over from the Conservatives.
Former Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership aspirant James Cleverly remarked that Labour’s first 100 days had been a disaster, with the ongoing internal strife resulting in the departure of Sue Gray.
PA Media contributed to this report.