Downing Street still an ‘active warzone’ despite Sue Gray’s departure, warn sources
DOWNING Street is still an “active warzone” despite Sue Gray’s departure, sources warn.
Mystery surrounds the new role of the PM’s ex-chief of staff, who was dramatically forced out last week.
She missed a key meeting in Edinburgh on Friday where she was expected to appear alongside Sir Keir Starmer in a position created for her.
No 10 said she was “taking a break” before starting the job as an envoy to the UK’s nations and regions.
But they have refused to answer questions about the circumstances.
It is unclear if she has formally signed up to the role or if she will definitely take it on.
A source said: “It’s still an active warzone.”
One Labour insider added: “She became a lightning rod for everything that was going wrong — even if it wasn’t her fault.”
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer marked his first 100 days as Prime Minister yesterday.
Just as he tried to reset the agenda — after weeks of freebie scandals and anger over special advisers’ pay — a huge row broke out over DP World’s £1billion port investment.
Chairman of the Conservative Party Richard Fuller said: “Keir Starmer promised a government of service and all we’ve seen is a government of self-service. It’s no wonder even No 10 can’t bear to claim these 100 days have been a success.”
A Labour spokesman hit back: “This weekend marks 100 days of the government. Before, we had 14 years of failure.”
Sir Keir told BBC’s Newscast: “You get days and weeks when things are choppy. That is in the nature of government.”
Downing Street insiders said the atmosphere was good, with everyone pulling in the same direction.