Sue Gray, the chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resigned on Sunday amid growing scrutiny and internal tensions within the Labour government during its early months in office.
Gray cited concerns that the intense commentary surrounding her role risked distracting from the government’s key agenda of implementing change.
Reports of disagreements between Gray and several political advisors, alongside revelations that her salary exceeded that of Prime Minister Starmer, added to the controversy.
The Labour Party’s annual conference last month was also overshadowed by various disputes, including alleged internal conflicts and backlash over Starmer accepting expensive freebies.
He thanked Gray for her service in a statement on Sunday.
“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.
“Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations,” he added.
Gray, who previously led the partygate investigation into illegal lockdown parties held by former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson, will now take on another role in government as the envoy for the regions and nations.
She will be replaced as chief of staff by Morgan McSweeney, who directed Labour’s general election campaign.
