Reports suggest that Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, personally authorized a Downing Street security pass for Lord Alli, a prominent Labour donor. This decision has ignited a controversy, leading to increased scrutiny of Gray's role and compensation.
The Downing Street pass granted Lord Alli, who was ennobled by Tony Blair in 1998, unrestricted access to No 10. This type of access is typically reserved for political advisers and civil servants. The decision has raised eyebrows, particularly among opposition members.
John Glen, a Tory MP, expressed concern over the issuance of the pass and has written to Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, seeking clarification on who authorized it. Glen remarked, "It's now clear that it's Sue Gray – not Sir Keir – who decides who comes in and out of No 10."
Downing Street has refrained from commenting on these reports. However, they previously stated that the pass was "temporary" and had been "given back several weeks ago."
The controversy has extended to Gray's compensation. It was revealed that her salary of £170,000 exceeds that of the Prime Minister by £3,000. This information came to light following a paper written by Darren Tierney, Parliament's head of propriety and ethics, on July 12, 2024, just days after Labour's election victory.
"I don't believe there's anything done here that's in conflict with the rules."
Amidst the controversy, Gray has decided to skip the Labour conference in Liverpool. Instead, she will remain in Downing Street, preparing for Sir Keir's attendance at the UN General Assembly later this week.
Despite the ongoing debate, Labour ministers have rallied behind Gray. Angela Rayner expressed confidence in Gray's continued presence in Downing Street, while Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, praised Gray's expertise and professionalism.
This situation has brought attention to the delicate balance between political appointments and civil service neutrality. The Civil Service in the UK is designed to be politically neutral, serving the government of the day regardless of party affiliation.
Gray's profile has been particularly high for a Downing Street insider, partly due to her role in the investigation of parties at the heart of government during COVID-19 lockdowns. Her findings led to a Metropolitan Police investigation, which ultimately found that dozens of individuals had breached lockdown laws.
As this controversy unfolds, it highlights the complex interplay between politics, civil service, and public scrutiny in the UK government system.