Sue Gray will take up a new role in government as Keir Starmer’s envoy to the regions and nations, after stepping down as chief of staff on Sunday – and we want to hear your thoughts on the reshuffle
Sue Gray stepped down as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff on Sunday, after her “intense” media coverage was becoming a “distraction” – but do YOU think it was the right decision?
The move comes after it was revealed that Ms Gray asked for and was given a salary of £170,000, which is £3,000 more than the prime minister and any cabinet minister, writes the BBC. It also follows recent reports of tensions between her and general election campaign chief Morgan McSweeney – who has replaced Ms Gray as top advisor – and suggestions of clashes between the chief of staff and special advisers.
She will now take up a new role as Starmer’s envoy to the regions or nations, where she is set to receive a bumper pay cut. In her statement on Sunday, Ms Gray said: “It has been an honour to take on the role of chief of staff, and to play my part in the delivery of a Labour Government. Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service.
“However, in recent weeks it has become clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government’s vital work of change. It is for that reason I have chosen to stand aside, and I look forward to continuing to support the Prime Minister in my new role.”
Speaking about her new role, she continued: “I am pleased to have accepted a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations. After leading the Labour party’s preparation for government and kickstarting work on our programme for change, I am looking forward to drawing on my experience to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to help deliver the government’s objectives across the nations and regions of the UK.”
The PM has publically thanked Ms Gray, as he wrote in a statement: “I want to thank Sue for all the support she has given me, both in opposition and government, and her work to prepare us for government and get us started on our programme of change. Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations. I am delighted that she will continue to support that work.”
The reshuffle comes less than three months after Labour came to power, but defence secretary John Healey rejected suggestions that the party is at “crisis point”, as he told LBC: “I’d characterise this as a new government getting on with the job.”
Meanwhile, a Tory spokesperson said: “In fewer than 100 days Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Government has been thrown into chaos, he has lost his chief of staff who has been at the centre of the scandal the Labour Party has been engulfed by”. Following the latest announcement, we want to know if YOU think Ms Gray was right to resign? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
