The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is facing mounting pressure to address internal conflicts and prove its effectiveness. A senior Whitehall source has indicated that Starmer has approximately one month to demonstrate that his administration is not "fundamentally" dysfunctional.
The controversy centers around Sue Gray, Starmer's chief of staff, who has become a focal point of criticism. Gray, who previously led an investigation into Downing Street parties during COVID-19 lockdowns, is now at the heart of a pay dispute that has caused resentment among advisers.
Reports suggest that No 10 has split into three rival factions vying for influence over Starmer. Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's top political adviser, and Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, are said to have clashed with Gray. This internal strife comes at a critical time for the government, with Rachel Reeves' first Budget as Chancellor scheduled for October 30, 2024.
The Labour Party, founded in 1900, has faced numerous challenges since its inception. However, the current situation is particularly precarious, with Starmer's approval rating plummeting to its lowest level since becoming Labour leader in April 2020.
"It could all have been avoided if Sue Gray had taken a salary of just slightly less than Keir Starmer, maybe a cut of £5,000 on what she's taken…. The amount of difference that it would make in terms of her living standards is minuscule at that level."
The role of special advisers (SpAds) in UK politics, which became prominent in the 1970s, is now under scrutiny due to pay disparities. Many junior advisers have reportedly seen their earnings decrease upon entering government departments, while Gray has been placed in a new top salary band.
Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary and a close ally of Starmer, defended Gray, stating, "I'm not sure why it's a surprise to anyone that the chief of staff to the Prime Minister is powerful. I think it would be far more worrying for our country if the chief of staff to the Prime Minister was weak."
As the Labour government approaches its first year in power since 2010, the pressure is mounting on Starmer to address these internal issues and focus on delivering the change promised to voters. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current turmoil is merely "growing pains" or indicative of deeper problems within the administration.