Questions are being asked in SW1 about what Starmer knew of Haigh’s fraud conviction. In her resignation letter to Starmer she says “as you know” before detailing the fiasco…
Hacks obviously asked what Starmer knew about Haigh’s conviction at this morning’s Lobby briefing. The PM’s spokesman suggested “further information” came to light yesterday which changed the situation and said twice that “ministers must record in writing and declare private interests which might create a conflict of interest, accurate or perceived.” An implication Whitehall did not know…
Multiple times Downing Street refused to say what that “further information” is or whether Starmer made an error of judgement in appointing Haigh with knowledge of her fraud conviction. No 10 is refusing to answer what Keir knew, when he knew it, why she was appointed, or why she resigned if the conviction was known…
For some reason the government is not keen to talk about its ill-fated Diwali reception at Downing Street. It has already been forced to apologise after serving meat and alcohol to attendees…
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood asked Labour what “potential cost to the public purse was of (a) alcohol and (b) meat-based food at the recent Diwali reception in No 10 Downing Street.” Cheeky…
Labour has refused today to say how much taxpayers are on the hook for after the blunder. Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould says the figures will turn up in the department’s Annual Report and Accounts. Guido’s pretty sure they won’t specify the bill for those tequila slammers…
Lobby journalists have had an entertaining session with the PM’s spokesman this afternoon after Guido revealed Sue Gray wouldn’t be getting her fake job after all. Following which Lobby hacks credulously published Gray’s spin that she decided not to take the job…
Downing Street says they aren’t hiring for a replacement envoy for the nations and regions. Approximately no-one will be surprised by that one…
The PM’s spokesman also did not deny that Sue has been on the payroll for her six-week holiday and just says all “HR processes” have been followed and details will come out in transparency publications. Downing Street was also “not getting into” whether Sue still has a No 10 pass or if she would be receiving a peerage, as she boasted about. Relaxing in the service of working people…
Based on high-level sources Guido reported this morning that Sue Gray’s job offer had been withdrawn by the PM. After having been first to report last month that most expected it never to materialise…
Two hours later the FT dropped an “exclusive” claiming from “allies” of Gray that she “has taken a decision not to take the role.” Trying to jump after having been pushed…
One government source, who is sympathetic to Gray, said to the Guardian that Gray knew the job was withdrawn: “She has been warned that this is the direction of travel.”
A Downing Street source also tells the BBC: “We think she has made the right decision.” A classic of the genre, essentially confirming it was withdrawn by the PM…
Meanwhile, Lobby hacks are lapping up Gray’s spin. You’re either in front of Guido…
Gray was sacked on 6th October 2024 as Downing Street Chief of Staff. Six weeks later, another chapter of the Sue-aga comes to an end…
Guido hears Sue’s fake new job as “the Prime Minister’s envoy for the regions and nations” is now officially kaput. It was only a matter of time after constant bickering over pay, let alone what the job would actually be…
According to whispers inside Downing Street Starmer has withdrawn the job offer entirely. One Downing Street source tells Guido that “Sue reluctantly accepts this position.” The Cabinet Office has “nothing to add to the recent No 10 responses to this at Lobby.” A non-denial…
Back when she was sacked Gray said she was “looking forward to drawing on my experience to support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to help deliver the government’s objectives across the nations and regions of the UK.” Now she’s lost that battle too. Auf Wieder-sue-hen…
Hacks have enquired once again at the government’s Lobby briefing about Sue Gray. Nada…
After Gudio published photos of Gray and Labour donor Lord Alli scheming in the Dean Street Townhouse last week journalists are pushing Downing Street – will she be paid this year, is she being paid currently? Crickets from No 10…
Politico said last Friday that “multiple figures” who were supposed to work with Gray in her new position “now strongly suspect she’ll never take up the role.” As Guido reported a full month ago…
Gray’s “short break” has already gone on for six weeks. At least she’s expecting to score a seat with Waheed in the Lords…
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”