What Sue Gray’s departure means for Starmer
Spectator (UK)SEP 30 2024
UK: Sue Gray Resigns as Starmer's Chief of Staff
Above: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray. Image copyright: Liam McBurney/Contributor/PA Images via Getty Images
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.