British PM Starmer's chief of staff resigns over reports about salary
Sue Gray, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has resigned. According to a statement from Downing Street on Sunday, Ms Gray is expected to take on a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for nations and regions. The BBC reports that Gray had been embroiled in disputes over her salary, following revelations by the BBC’s political editor that she earned more than Sir Keir.
The BBC has reported that Gray's annual salary was 170,000 pounds ($223,000), about 3,000 pounds more than Starmer is paid. Labour has confirmed that Ms Gray will be replaced by Morgan McSweeney, who is Starmer’s Chief Adviser.
Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy for the regions and nations.
Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service, Gray said in a statement. However, in recent weeks it has become clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government's vital work of change." Gray, a former senior civil servant, became a household name in Britain in 2022, when she led investigations into Partygate" allegations that former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff attended parties on government property despite the country's strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Her findings helped topple Johnson, who resigned last year.
Gray stepped down from civil service last year before joining Labour as Starmer's chief of staff.
Officials also announced other changes to the Downing Street operation, including the setting up of a new strategic communications team.
In recent weeks he has faced criticism over Gray's paycheck as well as negative reports that he and his wife accepted thousands of pounds' worth of clothes, eyeglasses and other items. He has denied impropriety.
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