Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, has recently received a pay rise after the election, making her salary higher than that of the Prime Minister. According to reports from the BBC, Gray now earns £170,000, which is £3,000 more than the PM and higher than any cabinet minister or her Conservative predecessor.
The decision to increase Gray’s pay has caused controversy within the government, with some sources claiming that she declined the suggestion to earn slightly less than the Prime Minister to avoid negative publicity. However, a government source close to Gray has denied these claims, stating that she had no involvement in deciding her own pay.
Gray’s role as the Prime Minister’s chief of staff involves various responsibilities, including controlling access to the PM and ensuring government policies are implemented. Her salary increase comes after the Prime Minister approved a rebanding of special advisers’ salaries shortly after taking office. The government has clarified that the rebanding was conducted by officials, not by Gray herself.
The news of Gray’s pay rise has sparked debate among government officials, with some defending her and others criticizing the decision. While some advisers believe they are being underpaid compared to Gray, others argue that pay issues are a matter for civil servants. Many special advisers expressed frustration over delays in receiving formal employment contracts and lower-than-expected salaries upon entering government.
The controversy surrounding special advisers’ salaries highlights tensions within the government, particularly in the early stages of Labour’s tenure. Despite differing opinions on Gray’s pay, some government officials commend her work in preparing Labour for government and driving the implementation of Labour’s priorities.
Critics of Gray’s salary raise concerns about the disparity between special advisers’ pay and other government positions. While some argue that special advisers’ salaries needed to be increased to align with industry standards, others believe Gray’s pay is excessive. The Cabinet Office has emphasized that decisions regarding special adviser pay are made by officials, not political appointees.
Both Conservative and Labour parties have raised questions about Gray’s salary increase, seeking clarification on the decision-making process and Gray’s involvement in setting her own pay. The debate over special advisers’ salaries reflects broader discussions about government spending and priorities in light of economic challenges facing the country.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will address concerns raised by various stakeholders. The issue of special advisers’ salaries serves as a microcosm of larger debates about government accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in the UK political landscape.