Recently, a government insider approached me with some confidential information regarding Sue Gray’s new £170,000 year salary. This insider also expressed their anger about Gray’s pay and her influence, as well as the perception that others within the government were being mistreated and underpaid. Although her salary is much higher than the national average, it is less than what some in the private sector would earn in a position of equivalent seniority.
While salaries of those in the public sector will eventually be published, this story is not solely about Gray’s salary. It is about the anger and frustration felt regarding her and her role within the government. The individual who approached me spoke out at considerable professional risk, and their sentiments are not unique. The fact that there are those within the upper echelons of government who are disgruntled only three months after a Labour party election win speaks to the fractious relationships within the government.
I did not actively seek out this information, but rather it found its way to me through my contact. Our team of journalists, led by myself and chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman, worked to corroborate and verify the information we received. We remain skeptical of sources and seek to explain what is known and unknown while assessing the motivations behind information given to us.
After a few days, we confirmed that the information our source provided was accurate, and it was apparent that our source was far from the only one with grievances against Gray. When I consulted several senior officials in the government, they did not dispute the key components of our story. We also provided context regarding salaries among government staff and the current government’s approach towards this issue.
Although some within the government are displeased with our reporting, it remains crucial to report on the current situation. Gray lacks a public platform and cannot speak with me as a politician might. Despite the outcry against our reporting, I must fulfill my job’s duty to bring clarity to what is happening within the government.
As journalists, our goal is to bring insight into current events- even when it is not the most comfortable position for those in power. We strive to provide truth with context to inform the public of what is happening within their government
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