Keir Starmer plans peerage for Sue Gray after Downing Street exit

In the UK, Keir Starmer is reportedly seeking to appoint his former chief of staff, Sue Gray, to a peerage in the House of Lords despite recent tensions within his team. Ms. Gray resigned from her position as chief of staff in October 2023 after a reported clash with other senior aides. Her departure came amid scrutiny regarding her substantial salary of £170,000, which slightly exceeded Starmer's own salary. Her resignation followed a brief period in which she had accepted a new role as the Prime Minister's envoy to the nations and regions but later rejected the position due to disagreements over pay. The Financial Times has indicated that Sue Gray is on a list of potential appointees for political peers during the New Year Honours. In addition to Ms. Gray, the list reportedly includes several Labour MPs who stepped down following the election, emphasizing a trend within the party to reward experienced political figures. Notable names mentioned alongside Gray include Lyn Brown, Kevin Brennan, Julie Elliott, and Thangam Debbonaire. The selections appear to prioritize longstanding party members who have made way for new talent in Parliament. Gray's time in Downing Street has been characterized by reported dysfunction within Starmer's inner circle, highlighted by media scrutiny and internal disagreements concerning her role. Following her resignation, it was revealed that she did not join an important summit with the leaders of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and regional English mayors, further raising questions about her future in government roles. In light of this fallout, No 10 downplayed the need for a new appointment to the envoy role, suggesting Gray had been 'uniquely placed' for the position, which remains 'under review'. The circumstances surrounding Ms. Gray’s tenure as chief of staff and her departure illustrate the complexities of leadership within the Labour party. Starmer’s intentions to appoint her to the House of Lords may reflect an effort to mend ties and recognize her contributions amidst internal challenges. As he considers rewards for loyal party members, the prevailing focus seems to be on securing a stronger, more experienced political presence as Labour moves forward, likely aware of the necessity of unity and direction in achieving electoral success in the future.