Sue Gray resigns as Keir Starmer’s chief of workers

Most just lately Gray had are available for criticism over a sequence of small-scale scandals which have wrecked Labour’s first months in workplace, together with the appointment of key political aides and donors to neutral civil service roles, and headline-grabbing rows over the donations and hospitality accepted by the prime minister and his high group. 

One former colleague of Gray complained final month that her earlier function as head of presidency ethics within the Cabinet Office meant she should be “wired to search for scandal” — and but “inside the first 100 days, the scandals preserve coming.” 

Gray will now get replaced as Downing Street chief of workers by Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s high political adviser, as a part of a wider shakeup of the Downing Street operation.

In an announcement, Gray mentioned that her “first curiosity has at all times been public service.” 

“However, in latest weeks it has turn into clear to me that intense commentary round my place risked turning into a distraction to the federal government’s important work of change,” she added. 

Gray will now take up an advisory place as “envoy for the areas and nations.” Downing Street didn’t verify whether or not the function shall be paid. 

Starmer thanked Gray for “all of the help she has given me, each in opposition and authorities.”