Sue Gray Cleared to Join Labour After No 10 Controversy
Former top civil servant Sue Gray has been given the green light to start working for the Labour Party this September. The approval comes from Parliament’s advisory panel, despite earlier calls for a six-month cooling-off period after she quit her official role in March.
Her move to Labour has ruffled Tory feathers. Conservatives claimed her impartiality was compromised in her damning report on No 10 lockdown parties – a scandal that helped topple Boris Johnson. Though the advisory body’s recommendations aren’t legally binding, both Gray and Labour have promised to stick to them.
Keir Starmer Welcomes Gray Ahead of General Election
Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer couldn’t hide his excitement. He said Gray will spearhead Labour’s prep for a potential new government, with a general election looming next year.
“Sue Gray will lead our efforts in preparing for a mission-driven Labour government,” Starmer declared. Gray’s wealth of experience puts her front and centre in Labour’s game plan, helping smooth any upcoming power handover – a routine step for opposition parties who work with civil servants behind the scenes.
Gray’s Ties to Labour Scrutinised but No Wrongdoing Found
Gray had already briefed the advisory committee back in October 2021 about her interest in joining Labour if she left the civil service. The committee accepted pre-leaving chats are normal but stressed conflicts of interest must be declared.
The Cabinet Office is investigating whether Gray breached the Civil Service code, though any punishments would have to be forward-looking.
Gray resigned on March 2 amid media speculation Labour was lining her up for a job. She insists no formal offer came before then. The watchdog found no proof her Labour talks affected her civil service duties or impartiality.
However, concerns over appearances meant the committee advised a six-month break before starting her new role. Gray was also told to avoid lobbying Whitehall or using government contacts to sway policy for two years.
The Lockdown Party Whisperer Turns Labour Strategist
Gray, a civil service veteran since the 1970s, was Boris Johnson’s choice to probe lockdown rule-breaking at government offices. Her explosive May 2022 report exposed No 10 leadership failings and Covid breaches, shaking the PM’s grip.
Johnson had questioned whether Gray’s Labour job offer tainted her inquiry’s findings.
Besides that, Gray’s Whitehall duties included smoothing UK nations’ relations and overseeing the voter ID scheme – a move Labour has slammed as controversial.
