Baroness Sue Gray, formerly Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has described her tenure in Downing Street as “definitely unbearable,” citing internal disputes and a pervasive atmosphere of distrust. In her first public interview since resigning from the role, Gray detailed how constant internal briefing wars created significant anxiety, making colleagues feel as though their conversations were being secretly recorded.
‘Unbearable’ Atmosphere in Downing Street
Gray, who served as the top adviser in the Labour administration until her departure in 2024, expressed disappointment that Sir Keir Starmer did not take more decisive action against negative leaks to journalists. She shared these reflections during an interview on the Political Currency podcast with Ed Balls, marking her first public comments since stepping down as chief of staff.
The issue of internal briefings against her began even before the Labour party entered government, while they were still in opposition. Gray recalled reading reports about things she supposedly said or did, a pattern that continued once in power. “I had always taken a view as a civil servant and actually as a special adviser that you know you should be able to speak freely in rooms,” she stated. “And I couldn’t recall those sort of discussions being briefed out.”
She recounted an instance where a story emerged about her supposedly trying to move a colleague, Morgan McSweeney, to a different part of the building. Gray clarified that this was a misunderstanding, stemming from a practical suggestion to find a larger room for a meeting. “Actually, that was a genuine, ‘I can’t believe so many of you are going to sit in this small room, let’s find a better room for you’,” she explained.
The cumulative effect of these experiences, Gray explained, was a feeling of constant surveillance. “It just got to the point where you know everything you say, you feel is somebody is recording it,” she said.
Disappointment Over Lack of Action on Leaks
When questioned about Sir Keir Starmer’s response to her concerns regarding the leaks and briefings, Gray indicated a sense of dissatisfaction. “I talked to him a couple of times about it, and I don’t really want to disclose individual conversations, but I was disappointed that not more was done because I think it could have been done,” she admitted.
The Labour government under Sir Keir has faced criticism from within the party regarding the culture in Number 10. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, for instance, has previously described a “boys club” environment and a pattern of “anonymous nasty briefings,” particularly targeting women. Gray echoed these sentiments, stating, “It was definitely unbearable, particularly for me.” She emphasized that none of the negative briefings originated from her. “I think it was very difficult, and it was just affecting me and my life,” she added. “I was getting into the office very early in the morning. I was leaving late to avoid…. It was very, very, very difficult period.”
Setting the Vision for Government
Addressing questions about the perceived lack of a clear positive vision in the early days of the Labour government and her role in it, Gray stressed the ultimate responsibility of leadership. “I think ultimately, you have a leader of the party, you have a prime minister, leader of the opposition. You have to set your vision, your agenda, and that is definitely what everybody is looking for,” she stated.
From Civil Servant to Political Advisor
Baroness Gray transitioned from a prominent but relatively low-profile figure in the civil service to a public name through her investigation into Covid rule-breaking at Boris Johnson’s Downing Street in 2021. Her subsequent move to join Labour as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff drew scrutiny, with some questioning her impartiality after decades in Whitehall.
Following weeks of negative press and internal briefings, Gray announced her resignation in December 2023, citing concerns that she was “becoming a distraction” to the government’s work. Her departure from the Cabinet Office marked the end of a long career in public service. In recognition of her contributions, Lady Gray was among the 30 new Labour peers announced in December.
Her recent interview offers a candid look into the challenges faced within the highest levels of government, highlighting the personal toll that internal political maneuvering and a lack of trust can exact on senior staff.
