Sue Gray, the former civil servant who served as Downing Street chief of staff, has resigned from her position. Number 10 has confirmed that Gray will take on a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for nations and regions.
The move comes after weeks of speculation about her role, following negative briefings in the media that overshadowed Labour’s first party conference since its landslide election victory in May.
Gray’s departure marks a significant shift in Sir Keir Starmer’s team, just months after Labour’s victory at the polls.
Richard Tice, leader of the Reform UK party, offered a scathing critique of the situation on GB News. He said:
“I launched a word back in January of this year called Starmergeddon, a new word in the Oxford Dictionary. Little to no one realised that it would be Starmergeddon on steroids.”
Richard Tice says Labour are in chaos
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Tice continued his criticism, stating:
“What we’ve actually got is utter chaos that makes the chaotic Tory Government look like a model of stability.”
He accused Labour of “cronyism from top to bottom across Government, from suits to glasses”, suggesting deep-rooted issues within the party’s transition to power.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, expressed gratitude for Gray’s contributions. He said:
“I want to thank Sue for all the support she has given me, both in opposition and government, and her work to prepare us for government and get us started on our programme of change.”
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Starmer highlighted Gray’s ongoing role, stating:
“Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations. I am delighted that she will continue to support that work.”
Sue Gray became Starmer’s chief of staff last year after a career as a senior civil servant in Whitehall and at Stormont in BelfastGetty
In her new position as envoy for regions and nations, Gray is expected to focus on strengthening Labour’s connections across the UK.
Gray’s resignation and subsequent role change raise questions about the stability of Labour’s transition to government.
The move comes just months after the party’s landslide victory, potentially undermining confidence in Starmer’s leadership team.