Sue Gray has resigned as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, saying that “intense commentary” around her position had become a “distraction”. The special adviser became a household name in 2022 when she headed a report into the Partygate scandal, criticising Boris Johnson and the Conservative government of the time.

Sir Keir Starmer has reshuffled his Number 10 team after Sue Gray quit as chief of staff on Sunday, citing concerns that questions over her position were becoming a distraction. Parliament is set to return on Monday after a conference recess that saw the Government wrapped up in rows over Ms Gray’s salary and freebies for ministers and MPs.