In a surprising turn-of-events Sue Gray wont take the nations and regions envoy position offered by Sir Keir Starmer (which was announced on nov-12-2024). The ex-civil servant made this choice about five weeks after leaving her chief-of-staff role
Two different stories emerged about this decision: Grays friends say she chose to focus on other things; however a No-10 source claims Starmer planned to take back the offer due to media-related concerns. The ex-chief has been on break since early-oct and Downing Street hasnt confirmed if shes still getting paid
Gray became Starmerʼs chief-of-staff after writing the well-known partygate report about Boris Johnsonʼs covid-time activities. After Labour won elections in summer her role got complicated by inner-office issues with Morgan McSweeney (the PMʼs political secretary). Problems included:
- Poor planning for government transition
- Issues with access given to Lord Alli
- Disagreements about office management
The ex-chiefs silence ended when No-10 confirmed she “decided not to take up the role“. When asked about filling this position a spokesman said theyʼd keep it under review: since Gray was uniquely-placed for this job
Richard Holden the shadow paymaster-general said: “This shows dysfunction in Starmerʼs administration; the PM must explain what golden-goodbye hes offered to Gray“