Sue Gray ‘is cleared by appointments watchdog to become Keir Starmer’s chief of staff this autumn’ despite Cabinet Office fury
Sue Gray is set to become Keir Starmer’s chief of staff in the Autumn despite Tory fury.
The appointments watchdog is believed to have given the former senior civil servant the green light to take the job after six months’ gardening leave.
The decision by Acoba – reported by the Times – will incense ministers, with one government source telling MailOnline it is ‘bizarre’.
The Cabinet Office had wanted Ms Gray – who conducted the Partygate probe – blocked for a year with another six month ban on contacting anyone in Whitehall.
Sue Gray is set to become Keir Starmer’s chief of staff in the Autumn despite Tory fury
Labour confirmed in March that Ms Gray had been offered the key role with Sir Keir, pending the recommendation from Acoba
Labour confirmed in March that Ms Gray had been offered the key role with Sir Keir, pending the recommendation from Acoba – chaired by Conservative former Cabinet minister Lord Pickles.
But Tories cried foul demanding to know when the mandarin had first been approach by Sir Keir.
Boris Johnson has argued that Ms Gray’s political connection might undermine the ongoing Privileges Committee investigation into Partygate.
Sir Keir has voiced confidence that all rules were followed.
The government could theoretically reject the recommendation from Acoba, but such a move would be unprecedented.
Labour wanted a senior figure with deep knowledge of Whitehall to help with preparations for going into government, should the party win the general election next year.
However, a longer delay would have caused significant problems for Sir Keir, possibly even forcing him to drop the appointment.
Labour sources said they had not been told of Acoba’s decision.
The watchdog insisted it did not comment on appointments until they are formally taken up.
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