After only three months since Keir Starmer’s landslide election victory, his chief of staff, Sue Gray, has resigned amid rumors of tension within his team of advisers. The former senior civil servant was the target of media leaks regarding her pay and was blamed by some officials for Starmer’s rocky start in Downing Street.
Gray, in a statement, expressed concerns that the intense commentary on her position was becoming a distraction to the government’s crucial work. Starmer, who promised discipline and change after 14 years of Conservative Party rule, has already faced criticism for accepting free gifts from wealthy donors.
As Starmer’s government deals with cutting financial aid for energy bills, Gray will transition to a new role as Starmer’s envoy for regions and nations. Morgan McSweeney will succeed her as chief of staff.
Starmer also announced other changes in his team, including the establishment of a strategic communications team led by James Lyons. With the upcoming tax and spending plans announcement in October, Starmer and his finance minister, Rachel Reeves, face a critical month.
The Conservatives have criticized Starmer’s government, labeling it as “thrown into chaos” due to the free gifts scandal and Gray’s resignation.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.