Overview
- Baroness Sue Gray gave her first public interview since resigning and said the Downing Street workplace became unbearable because of persistent anonymous briefings that targeted staff.
- She told the Political Currency podcast that briefings began in opposition, continued after Labour entered government, and made her fear colleagues were recording conversations.
- Gray said she raised the issue with Prime Minister Keir Starmer but was disappointed that stronger action was not taken to halt the leaks.
- Her short tenure as Starmer’s chief of staff followed a long civil service career and the high‑profile Partygate inquiry, a background that fuelled debate over impartiality when she moved into a political role.
- Labour figures have criticised No 10’s culture as a ‘boys club’ with anonymous hostile briefings, and Gray’s account renews pressure on the party to address internal conduct and protect staff.