British Prime Minister Keir Starmer names new Chief of Staff in Downing Street shake-up

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appoints new Chief of Staff amid high-profile resignation and government shake-up.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday (October 7, 2024) named a new Chief of Staff after a high-profile resignation amid a wider shake-up of his top team at 10 Downing Street to mark his Labour Party government's first 100 days in office.

Sue Gray, previously a top civil servant appointed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s to investigate the partygate scandal of COVID lockdown law breaching parties within the then Tory government, resigned as Mr. Starmer’s top aide saying the “intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government's vital work of change".

She was referring to weeks of media revelations and controversies surrounding her role, including her salary package of GBP 170,000 being GBP 3,000 more than the Prime Minister being leaked to the BBC.

"It is for that reason I have chosen to stand aside, and I look forward to continuing to support the prime minister in my new role," said Ms. Gray, who has been demoted to a part-time role as Mr. Starmer’s envoy for nations and regions.

Morgan McSweeney, the Labour Party's former campaign director who masterminded July's general election landslide for the party, will replace Gray as the new chief of staff. His appointment comes alongside political director Vidhya Alakeson and director of government relations Jill Cuthbertson being promoted to deputy chiefs of staff. Nin Pandit, the director of the Downing Street policy unit until now, has been appointed principal private secretary to Mr. Starmer, while former journalist James Lyons will join to head up a new strategic communications team.

“I’m really pleased to be able to bring in such talented and experienced individuals into my team. This shows my absolute determination to deliver the change the country voted for,” said Mr. Starmer in a statement.

He thanked his outgoing chief for "all the support", both in Opposition and government and her work to prepare Labour for government.