Government in-fighting takes centre stage ahead of Labour conference

Sir Keir Starmer has faced increasing questions about dysfunction at the heart of his government after it was revealed that his chief of staff, Sue Gray, received a pay rise following the general election. This raise means she is now paid more than the Prime Minister, with a salary of £170,000.

Ms. Gray shot to prominence in recent years. As a senior civil servant, she was tasked with investigating Boris Johnson’s Covid lockdown parties, and her report played a significant role in his downfall as Prime Minister. Her profile grew even more when she joined the Labour Party, making her a deeply unpopular figure in Conservative circles. At the time, her appointment was seen as a coup and pivotal in helping Labour prepare for government due to her extensive knowledge of Whitehall.

The fact that the BBC reported the leak about her salary was “briefed to them by a number of Whitehall sources” underscores how divisive a figure she has become and reveals the dissatisfaction within government over her influence.

This story emerges at a time when many other special advisers are facing great uncertainty about their jobs, having been given either short-term contracts or offered pay cuts to retain their positions, often at salaries lower than their Conservative predecessors. It is felt that Gray has been influential in this process, causing unease among her colleagues.

Starmer clearly values Ms. Gray’s advice; she accompanied him on his recent trip to the United States, where he met with President Biden. However, as long as tensions persist between Ms. Gray and others within the government, Labour will continue to face difficult questions.

History shows that when an adviser becomes the story, the outcome is rarely positive. Most recently, Dominic Cummings’ tenure in Downing Street ended with his unceremonious departure, followed by a public breakdown of his relationship with Boris Johnson.

Meanwhile, Starmer has been facing growing scrutiny over his willingness to accept gifts. Sky News reported that the PM has accepted the most gifts of any MP, receiving £107,145 in gifts, benefits, and hospitality since December 2019 — more than twice as much as the next MP.

This paints a challenging picture for Starmer, who spent much of his time as opposition leader positioning himself as an antidote to the scandals of sleaze that plagued the Conservative government in recent years. Instead of advancing his mission for the country and focusing on delivery, his early months in government are being derailed by these self-inflicted errors.

Having won a stunning victory in the general election in July, Labour might have anticipated their party conference to be a celebration of their return to government after 14 years in opposition. However, the challenges of governing have emerged quickly, and dissatisfaction within the government may dampen what would have otherwise been a jubilant party conference.