Former senior civil servant Sue Gray has received clearance to begin working for the Labour Party starting in September, following recommendations from Parliament’s appointments advisory body. The body had suggested a six-month break after Gray resigned from her official position in March. The move had sparked controversy among some Conservatives who claimed it compromised the impartiality of her report on lockdown gatherings in No 10, which contributed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation. While the recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) are not binding, both Labour and Gray have committed to abiding by them.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his delight at Gray joining the party, stating that she would lead their efforts in preparing for a mission-led Labour government. With a general election expected next year, Gray’s role will be crucial in helping Labour prepare for the possibility of assuming power. Opposition parties routinely consult with current civil servants to facilitate a smooth transition, and Gray is expected to be involved in this process.
Gray, a former civil servant with extensive experience in government machinery, had discussed the possibility of working for Labour with Sir Keir in October 2021. She informed the committee that she would consider such an opportunity if she left the civil service. Acoba acknowledged that it is normal for individuals to discuss new roles before leaving office, but any potential conflict must be disclosed. The Cabinet Office is anticipated to release a report on whether Gray violated the Civil Service code, but retrospective punishments cannot be imposed.
Gray resigned from the civil service on March 2, following media speculation about a potential job offer from Labour. However, she stated that there was no formal offer until that date. The committee found no evidence that Gray’s contact with Labour had influenced her actions as a civil servant or compromised her impartiality. While there were concerns about the perceived impartiality of the civil service if she immediately took up the job, the committee recommended a six-month break. Additionally, Gray was advised not to personally lobby the government on behalf of the opposition or utilize her government connections to influence policy for two years after leaving the civil service.
Ms. Gray, who joined the civil service in the 1970s, was appointed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to investigate lockdown-breaking gatherings in government buildings. Her final report, published in May 2022, revealed breaches of Covid rules and cited “leadership failures” in No 10. Johnson had previously raised questions about the job offer from Labour and its potential impact on the conclusions of her inquiry. Gray’s responsibilities as a civil servant also included improving relations between the UK nations and overseeing the introduction of the controversial voter ID scheme, which Labour has criticised.
