Sue Gray describes working in Keir Starmer’s No 10 as ‘unbearable’

Baroness Sue Gray, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has described the working environment inside Downing Street as “definitely unbearable” in her first interview since resigning in 2024.

Speaking on the Political Currency podcast, Gray detailed a culture of tension and mistrust, noting that internal briefing disputes were “very, very difficult.” She expressed a pervasive anxiety among staff that conversations were being secretly recorded to facilitate leaks to the media. Gray specifically addressed rumors regarding her attempts to move aide Morgan McSweeney to a different part of the building, clarifying that her intention was simply to find a more suitable workspace for the group.

Gray expressed disappointment that Starmer did not take more decisive action regarding the “anonymous nasty briefings” and leaks directed at her. This follows criticisms from within the Labour Party regarding a “boys club” culture operating within Number 10.