It’s trouble in paradise for Labour as Starmer’s Chief of Staff Sue Gray continues to cause conflict within Downing Street. Guido hears SpAds still haven’t been able to sign their official contracts, causing further frustration and fury among aides. As one Whitehall insider remarked, “they better get on with it”…
SpAds have reportedly decided to unionise following complaints of pay cuts and work overload as many departments seem to have fewer aides than they did under the Tories. The recent public sector pay raises may have given some inspiration…
While Number 10 denies that Gray is involved in setting SpAd terms and pay, it’s no secret that frustrations with their roles are directed at her. SpAds have labelled Gray a “control freak,” blaming her for the delays in formal contract approvals. Still, it seems they are making the most of the hold up by upping negotiations. Until then, Labour aides will have to make do with working under strict probationary terms instead…
Lucy Powell on LBC, asked by Tom Swarbrick for her reaction to Labour MP Samantha Niblett’s call for a ‘summer of sex’ debate in Parliament: “I personally don’t own any sex toys, but each to their own… I’m not really sure that’s the right place for it, no.”