Sue Gray has resigned as chief of staff to the Prime Minister after weeks of negative briefings against the controversial aide.
She is instead taking on a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations.
In a statement, Keir Starmer praised her for “all the support she has given me” both in opposition and since the election.
“Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations. I am delighted that she will continue to support that work,” he added.
Ms Gray said she was “pleased to have accepted a new role” in No 10 and was “looking forward to drawing on my experience to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to help deliver the government’s objectives across the nations and regions of the UK”.
“In addition to building a close partnership with devolved governments, I am delighted this new role will mean continuing to work alongside and support the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Mayors on English devolution,” she continued.
“It has been an honour to take on the role of Chief of Staff, and to play my part in the delivery of a Labour government. Throughout my career my first interest has always been public service. However in recent weeks it has become clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government’s vital work of change. 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.”
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
