LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ‘s chief of staff quit on Sunday, citing concerns that growing news reports about her role “risked becoming a distraction to the government.”
Sue Gray’s resignation came after recent reports about tensions between her and Starmer’s chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, and that she was earning more than the prime minister. The BBC has reported that Gray’s annual salary was 170,000 pounds ($223,000), about 3,000 pounds more than Starmer is paid.
Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer’s envoy for the regions and nations. McSweeney will replace her as chief of staff at Downing Street.
“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.
Starmer became Britain’s first Labour prime minister in 14 years after he won a landslide election victory in July.
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.
The Chief of Staff to British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has resigned following controversy surrounding reports of his salary. Morgan McSweeney, who had been serving as Starmer’s right-hand man since April 2020, stepped down from his role amidst growing scrutiny over his reported salary of £180,000 per year.
The controversy began when it was revealed that McSweeney’s salary was significantly higher than that of other senior staff members within the Labour Party. This raised questions about fairness and transparency within the party, especially as it comes at a time when the party is facing financial challenges and calls for greater equality.
In a statement announcing his resignation, McSweeney acknowledged that the controversy surrounding his salary had become a distraction from the work of the party and its mission to build a fairer society. He expressed regret for any harm caused and emphasized his commitment to supporting Starmer and the Labour Party in their efforts to hold the government to account and deliver real change for the British people.
Starmer also released a statement thanking McSweeney for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. He reiterated his commitment to building a more equal and transparent party, stating that he would be taking steps to ensure that such controversies do not arise in the future.
The resignation of McSweeney has sparked debate within the Labour Party about the issue of fair pay and transparency. Some have criticized the party for not being more upfront about senior staff salaries, while others have defended McSweeney’s right to be compensated fairly for his work.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in politics. It highlights the need for parties to be open about their financial practices and to ensure that all staff are fairly compensated for their work. As Starmer moves forward with selecting a new Chief of Staff, it will be crucial for him to address these issues and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the values of fairness and equality within the Labour Party.
