What Sue Gray’s departure means for Starmer
Spectator (UK)Sep 22
UK: Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff
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Above: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray. Image copyright: Liam McBurney/Contributor/PA Images via Getty Images
The Facts
Sue Gray has stepped down as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, and will be replaced by the prime minister's chief adviser and former Labour election campaign leader Morgan McSweeney.
Gray in a statement said she was stepping down because "intense commentary" about her role "risked becoming a distraction" for the government. Downing Street has confirmed that Gray will next take on the role of "envoy for the regions and nations."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
It was wise of Starmer to shake things up in order to end the internal drama that's been a distraction during his first months in office. Some say Gray's ousting is unfair, but it's been well-documented that there were ongoing problems inside No. 10. Once Gray caught the media's attention it was only a matter of time before her exit was confirmed.
Establishment-critical narrative
Starmer's government was already in chaos before this shakeup — with a civil war going on within Downing Street and recent public controversies. Gray's resignation demonstrates a dysfunctional operation struggling to maintain stability. Starmer's leadership and ability to focus on important issues should be questioned.
