SIR Keir Starmer’s top aide Sue Gray has dramatically quit as chief of staff after finding herself in the eye of a political storm.
Ms Gray said she didn’t want to become a “distraction” and will now serve as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations.
Her departure follows weeks of hostile briefings targeting her alleged micromanagement style, Labour’s perceived lack of readiness for Government, and her inability to prevent or manage the donations row.
The pressure on Ms Gray intensified last month when details of her £170,000 salary were leaked to the press.
The former Whitehall propriety and ethics chief said in a statement: “After leading the Labour party’s preparation for government and kickstarting work on our programme for change, I am looking forward to drawing on my experience to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to help deliver the government’s objectives across the nations and regions of the UK.
Ms Gray added: “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.
