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The former chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer, Sue Gray, has declined the opportunity to become the prime minister’s envoy to the nations and regions, according to reports. Gray had initially been appointed to the position after leaving her role with the Labour leader last month. At the time, she had expressed concerns over the risk of becoming a distraction, and her departure was widely seen as part of a shake-up of Starmer’s senior team. However, the government had stated that she was simply taking a short break before taking up her new post.
The news that Gray would not be taking up the position was first reported by The Financial Times and The Guardian. It is unclear at this stage what her reasons were for declining the role. Downing Street has declined to comment on the reports.
Gray’s appointment had been seen by some as a sign of the prime minister’s desire to improve relations with the devolved nations. The role was created in response to concerns over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, with critics arguing that ministers had not done enough to engage with local leaders.
Gray is widely regarded as one of the most talented and experienced civil servants of her generation. She has worked closely with Starmer for several years, and was instrumental in his election as Labour leader in 2020. Her decision to decline the role of envoy will be seen by some as a blow to the government’s efforts to improve its relations with the parts of the UK that have felt neglected in recent years
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