Sue Gray Will Not Take Up Newly Created Government Role
Sue Gray has decided not to take up the position of prime minister’s envoy to the nations and regions, Downing Street confirmed. The role was initially offered to her after she departed as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff last month.
Initially, the government had suggested Gray would take a short break before starting her new position. However, a No 10 spokeswoman now states that she has “decided not to take it up.” The news was first reported by the Financial Times and the Guardian.
A friend of Gray explained her decision, saying, “Sue has taken a decision not to take the role. She’s going to focus on other things.” They added that she had taken time to think about the position, consulting with stakeholders before ultimately deciding against it.
The Guardian reported that Gray’s decision came after being warned that the Prime Minister was likely to rescind the job offer. When asked about whether the offer was withdrawn or if she voluntarily stepped away, a No 10 spokeswoman maintained that the appointment had been previously agreed, but Gray had since chosen not to take the role.
Downing Street indicated there are “no immediate plans” to appoint a new envoy to the nations and regions, though the position will be kept “under review.” The spokeswoman noted that Gray was “uniquely placed” for the role, but working with the nations and regions remains a “huge priority” for the government.
Interestingly, despite Downing Street previously describing the job as “vital,” no specific details of Gray’s responsibilities were published. She also did not attend the first meeting of the new Council of Nations and Regions.
Gray’s departure from her previous role as chief of staff was marked by controversy. She left after just three months, following weeks of negative headlines and internal briefings, including a dispute over her salary. She was replaced by Morgan McSweeney, with whom she had reportedly experienced tensions during his previous role as Sir Keir’s chief political adviser.
Prior to her recent political roles, Gray became widely known for leading the government’s internal inquiry into the Partygate scandal. She left the civil service to become a senior adviser to Sir Keir Starmer last year.
A Downing Street source told the BBC that they believe Gray “has made the right decision,” though the exact reasons behind her withdrawal remain unclear.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities within political appointments and the potential tensions that can arise in high-profile advisory roles.
