The political fallout continues after Sue Gray quit as the Downing Street chief of staff, citing fears she was “becoming a distraction” as pressure grows on the prime minister ahead of his first budget.
After less than three months in office since the election, the loss of Ms Gray – who he personally recruited to ensure he could drive through his policies through Whitehall once in power – is a major blow for Sir Keir Starmer.
But in recent weeks, Number 10 has been plagued by reports of infighting, as rows over Ms Gray’s salary and Government freebies have been among those that have dominated the headlines.
Ms Gray said: “Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service.
“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.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to deliver her first Budget on October 30 and used her conference speech last month to warn of “tough decisions”, but rejected a return to austerity.
She previously rejected calls for a tax on the country’s wealthiest even though she has claimed there is a £22 billion black hole in public finances.
Who is Morgan McSweeney? The Labour election guru replacing Sue Gray as chief of staff
Labour election guru Morgan McSweeney will take over as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff after Sue Gray quit.
McSweeney is the creative intelligence behind Starmer’s success, first in winning the leadership of the Labour Party and then in winning a huge election victory in the country. It makes sense to have him at the top of the political side of No 10, writes Jabed Ahmed.
Salma Ouaguira7 October 2024 07:30
Good morning
Welcome back to the politics live blog.
Today marks one year since Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ attack in Israel.
Sir Keir Starmer has celebrated the 7 October anniversary by calling for a ceasefire, claiming that the “collective grief has not diminished” in the year since.
We will also hear from defence secretary, John Healey, on the media round this morning. And we can expect foreign secretary David Lammy to make a statement on the Middle East war in the Commons later today.
Monday also marks the return of MPs to Westminster after days of party conference.
While members kick start an adjournment debate, Unite will protest outside parliament against Labour’s decision to mean-test winter fuel payments.
Salma Ouaguira7 October 2024 07:19
Why Starmer’s reshuffle of his inner circle will help put No 10 back on track
The prime minister has toughened his defences against a right-wing press vendetta against him, writes John Rentoul:
Barney Davis7 October 2024 07:00
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of British politics on Monday October 7
Barney Davis6 October 2024 23:47