British PM Starmer's chief of staff resigns over reports about salary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff quit on Sunday, citing concerns that growing news reports about her role risked becoming a distraction to the government.

Sue Gray's resignation came after recent reports about tensions between her and Starmer's chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, and that she was earning more than the prime minister. The BBC has reported that Gray's annual salary was 170,000 pounds ($223,000), about 3,000 pounds more than Starmer is paid.

Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy for the regions and nations. McSweeney will replace her as chief of staff at Downing Street.

Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service, Gray said in a statement. However, in recent weeks it has become clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government's vital work of change."

Gray, a former senior civil servant, became a household name in Britain in 2022, when she led investigations