Sue Gray has stepped down as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, stating that she “risked becoming a distraction.”
After a controversial three-month stint in Downing Street, the former civil servant announced that she had accepted a new position as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations. Morgan McSweeney will succeed her.
Grey faced months of critical briefings as chief of staff, with rival Labour members, concerned that she held too much influence over No. 10. Additionally, her salary, which was £3,000 more than Sir Keir’s, was leaked to the media.
She said, “After leading the Labour Party’s preparation for government and initiating work on our programme for change, I am excited to use my experience to support the Prime Minister and Cabinet in delivering the government’s goals across the UK’s nations and regions.”
Gray continued: “Public service has always been my top priority throughout my career. However, in recent weeks, it has become clear to me that the intense focus on my role risked diverting attention from the government’s essential work for change.
“For that reason, I have decided to step aside, and I look forward to supporting the Prime Minister in my new role.”
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his gratitude, saying: “I want to thank Sue for the tremendous support she has given me in both opposition and government, and for her efforts in preparing us for governance and advancing our programme for change.
“Sue has been instrumental in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations. I am thrilled she will continue to contribute to that work.”
Starmer makes five key appointments as Gray steps down.
Morgan McSweeney has been promoted to Chief of Staff after serving as Sir Keir’s chief adviser. He was the campaign director for Labour’s general election campaign and has over two years of experience in politics.
Vidhya Alakeson has been appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff, following her role as political director at Number 10. She previously served as Labour’s director of external relations.
Jill Cuthbertson, who was the director of government relations until now, has also been promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff.
Nin Pandit has taken on the role of Sir Keir’s Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS), having led the Downing Street policy unit since November 2022.
James Lyons will head up a newly formed strategic communications team in Downing Street. A former director of communications, Lyons joins from the social media platform TikTok.
