Sue Gray has stepped down as Downing Street chief of staff due to 'intense commentary around my position'.

The former civil servant was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer as his chief of staff in March 2023, a move which attracted criticism from some in the Conservative Party given she produced the report in Boris Johnson's government and its lockdown-breaching parties at 10 Downing Street.

Controversy was also generated when it was revealed she received a pay rise after the election which means she earns more than the new Prime Minister.

Chief adviser and former Labour general election campaign director Morgan McSweeney will replace Ms Gray as Downing Street chief of staff.

Read More:

In a written statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I want to thank Sue for all the support she has given me, both in opposition and government, and her work to prepare us for government and get us started on our programme of change.

“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.”

In the same written statement, Ms Gray said: “I am pleased to have accepted a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations.

“After leading the Labour party’s preparation for government and kickstarting work on our programme for change, I am 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.

“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.”

It follows a difficult start to life in government for Sir Keir and his party.

Labour has faced a backlash after announcing it will start means-testing the winter fuel payment for pensioners, and its decision not to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

With the first budget by chancellor Rachel Reeves expected to bring swingeing public spending cuts, the Prime Minister is under fire from the left of his party, while he's also faced criticism for his handling of the conflict in the Middle East.

There has also been controversy over gifts accepted by government ministers, with Sir Keir agreeing to pay back some of freebies he received including tickets for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick said: “Fewer than 100 days in and this Labour Government is in complete disarray.

“(Sir Keir) Starmer is without a national security adviser, private secretary and the most senior civil servant has sped up his exit.

“Now, his handpicked chief of staff has been forced out by vicious Labour infighting. This Government is in free fall.”