Sue Gray Steps Down as Sir Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff

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Sue Gray has officially stepped down as Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, marking a significant shift in the leadership dynamics within Downing Street. This move signals that all is not well within the prime minister’s office, particularly as Sir Keir approaches the crucial milestone of his first 100 days in government. Despite a highly successful election campaign, the transition into power has been rocky, forcing Sir Keir to take decisive action to stabilize his team and regain control.

 

The departure of Sue Gray follows growing dissatisfaction with the functioning of Number 10 under her leadership, coupled with ongoing controversies like the so-called "freebie-gate" scandal. According to a source within Downing Street, "Keir Starmer is quite patient. He expected teething difficulties, but wants to make sure Number 10 is completely refocused ahead of the first 100 days." While Sir Keir is known for his careful and methodical leadership style, the removal of Gray shows a more ruthless side as he seeks to address the dysfunction within his team. In her place, Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's former chief of staff and head of political strategy, has been brought back to help stabilize the situation. 

 

"What you have seen here is a PM that wants to get a grip of things and that is what this change is about," a source close to the prime minister explained. The decision to reappoint McSweeney is widely seen as a response to the disappointment that followed the well-executed election campaign, which has since given way to a less coordinated and somewhat disorganized Downing Street operation. The internal problems were apparent to many, and as one staffer noted, "Sue realised she had to move, it's been a mess." Conversations about Gray’s departure reportedly began last week, and both she and the prime minister agreed that it would be best for her to step down by "mutual consent."

 

Gray is not leaving government entirely, however. She will transition into a new role as the prime minister’s envoy for the nations and regions, a move that may allow her to continue contributing in a different capacity.

 

Behind the scenes, Gray and McSweeney had operated as two distinct power bases within Number 10. Gray was brought in to manage the transition to power, while McSweeney had been instrumental in orchestrating Starmer’s successful leadership campaign and path to victory. While both camps have publicly downplayed any significant divisions, the tensions became harder to ignore, particularly as dissatisfaction grew around Gray's handling of the government's first few months in office. Her position as the prime minister's enforcer left Sir Keir vulnerable in the midst of the "freebie-gate" row, which further fueled concerns about her effectiveness.

 

As Sir Keir Starmer faces the challenges ahead, his ability to stabilize his team and refocus his administration will be crucial. The changes in his top staff reflect a growing urgency to address the missteps of his first 100 days and to strengthen his leadership as he navigates the complexities of government.

 

Based on a report from Sky News 2024-10-07

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

Rats leaving a sinking ship. 

 

Starmer is on very thin ice, and it's cracking.

 

First Duffield, now Gray. Seems Starmer has an issue with women.

 

What a clown show. 

[billd766]

And she walked straight into another government job.

 

How convenient for her.

[JonnyF]

10 minutes ago, billd766 said:

And she walked straight into another government job.

 

How convenient for her.

 

Indeed. Typical Labour politician. Crooked the lot of them.