Angela Rayner warns against underestimating Sue Gray amid turmoil
- Sue Gray, Chief of Staff to Sir Keir Starmer, is facing criticism for her salary of £170,000, which is higher than the Prime Minister's.
- Angela Rayner has defended Gray, calling her a formidable figure and a prime example of a working-class individual who has risen through the ranks.
- The ongoing scrutiny and negative briefings against Gray highlight the challenges she faces, but her allies assert she commands strong support within No 10.
Angela Rayner has publicly defended Sue Gray, emphasizing her formidable nature amidst criticism following her high salary of £170,000, which surpasses that of the Prime Minister. Gray, who has a background as a working-class individual from a council estate, has faced scrutiny and negative briefings from unnamed sources, suggesting she is acting 'increasingly grand' and monopolizing access to the Prime Minister. Rayner's remarks highlight the challenges Gray faces as she navigates her role, particularly after leading the Partygate investigation. Allies of Gray, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, have rallied in her support, asserting her deep understanding of Whitehall and her ability to get things done. The controversy surrounding her salary has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of pay for political appointees, with a Cabinet Office spokesman clarifying that decisions regarding pay are made by officials, not the appointees themselves. This situation reflects broader tensions within the political landscape, particularly regarding perceptions of entitlement and the dynamics of power within the government. Rayner's call to not underestimate Gray underscores the importance of her role and the potential impact of her work in the current political climate.