Sue Gray's £170K Salary Surpasses UK Prime Minister, Fueling Government Debate

Sue Gray’s Pay Raise Surpasses UK Prime Minister’s Salary

Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has received a salary increase, making her the highest-paid special adviser in the UK government. Her new salary of £170,000 is £3,000 more than the prime minister’s. This pay rise has caused some government insiders to raise concerns and sparked a wider debate about adviser salaries.

Why Did Sue Gray Receive a Pay Increase?

After the general election, Sue Gray requested a higher salary, which was approved. Some suggested she take a salary slightly below the prime minister’s to avoid controversy, but she refused. Her new salary is more than any cabinet minister’s, and her Conservative predecessor was paid between £140,000 and £145,000 per year.

Despite the controversy, the government said Sue Gray had no say in increasing her pay. Officials, not Gray herself, were responsible for the salary adjustments.

Sue Gray Earns More Than the Prime Minister: Why It's Causing a Stir

Sue Gray’s Role as Chief of Staff

Sue Gray plays a key role in Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government. She manages who has access to the prime minister and helps ensure that the government’s policies are being implemented. Her previous work as a senior civil servant, particularly her report on the Downing Street parties during the pandemic, was a major factor in Boris Johnson’s resignation as prime minister. This past role has only added to the tension surrounding her current position and pay.

Tension Within the Government

The news of Sue Gray’s pay increase has caused frustration among other special advisers. Many were expecting their pay raises after Labour’s election win but were disappointed that they would be paid less. Some advisers feel they are working harder in more important roles but are being compensated less than they were working for the Labour Party during its opposition years.

One insider claimed that Sue Gray has too much influence over the prime minister, saying, “She considers herself to be like a deputy prime minister, which is why she’s being paid so much.” Other sources say that Sue Gray is unfairly blamed for these salary issues, pointing out that civil servants, not political appointees, determine pay.

Pay Comparisons Among Special Advisers

Sue Gray is not the only adviser who has received attention overpay. Matthew Doyle, the prime minister’s director of communications, was initially offered £110,000 but had his salary raised to £140,000 after discussions. However, there has been less criticism of Doyle’s pay than Gray’s.

Many advisers worked for weeks without knowing their exact salaries, only to find out later that they were earning less than expected. This delay in formal contracts has been a major source of frustration, and some advisers have blamed Gray for the hold-up.

Government’s Response to the Pay Dispute

A government spokesperson clarified that officials made all decisions regarding special adviser salaries, not the advisers themselves. The government also emphasized that the salary rebranding for advisers was carried out after careful consideration and was necessary to bring their pay in line with other roles in Whitehall.

Despite this, some believe that the pay increase for special advisers, particularly for Sue Gray, is excessive, especially when many UK households struggle with the cost of living.

A Divisive Issue

Sue Gray’s salary increase has sparked controversy, with government insiders and advisers divided on whether her pay is justified. Some see it as a sign of her growing influence in the Labour government, while others believe it reflects deeper issues with how special advisers are compensated. As the Labour government continues its work, this issue of adviser pay and transparency may remain a point of debate.

Sue Gray Earns More Than UK Prime Minister, Sparking Government Controversy