Sue Gray ousted as chief of staff amid Downing Street power struggle
- Sue Gray, the former chief of staff, was reassigned to a new position as the Prime Minister's envoy for nations and regions after being ousted from her previous role.
- She has delayed starting her new job, reportedly seeking a better severance package and salary.
- Her absence from the first meeting of the PM's Council of Nations and Regions in Scotland raises questions about her acceptance of the new role.
In the United Kingdom, Sue Gray, who was recently ousted from her position as chief of staff, has been appointed as the Prime Minister's envoy for nations and regions. This transition occurred over the weekend, following a power struggle within Downing Street. Gray's new role is significant as it involves collaboration with the first ministers of the devolved administrations and regional mayors, aiming to enhance communication and cooperation between different levels of government. However, Gray has delayed the commencement of her new position, reportedly due to her demands for a more favorable severance package from her previous role, which had a salary of £170,000. This situation has created uncertainty regarding her acceptance of the envoy role, as Downing Street has not confirmed her attendance at the first meeting of the PM's Council of Nations and Regions scheduled in Scotland. The council, established by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is intended to replace previous joint ministerial councils, facilitating discussions among key political figures from various regions. The absence of Gray from the inaugural meeting raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of her new role. As negotiations continue, it remains unclear how this situation will impact the council's operations and Gray's future contributions to regional governance in the UK.