Sue Gray has resigned from her position as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, leading to a significant shake-up inside 10 Downing Street. The announcement follows weeks of internal disputes among the prime minister’s top team.
Gray addressed her resignation, stating that recent speculation surrounding her position had become “a distraction to the government’s vital work.” She will now transition into a new role as Starmer’s envoy for nations and regions.
Morgan McSweeney, widely regarded as Gray’s rival within No.10, will replace her as chief of staff. This move is part of a wider re-organisation within the prime minister’s office.
In his statement, Starmer praised Gray’s contributions, saying: “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.”
Gray also reflected on her time in office: “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.”
Looking ahead to her new role, Gray added: “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.”
She explained her decision to step down, noting that “intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government’s vital work of change.” However, she affirmed her commitment to continuing to support Starmer in her new position.
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