Former Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has said the departure of Sue Gray will mean the Prime Minister will take orders from his new senior advisor, Morgan McSweeney.
Speaking to GB News he said: “It is difficult to see how it is a positive move, particularly that he's appointed Morgan McSweeney.
“Your viewers might not know, but it was Morgan McSweeney that recruited Keir Starmer. It was Morgan McSweeney that said to Keir, we will make you Prime Minister if you do what we say and if you dance to our tune.
“Sue Gray was Keir's woman. Sue Gray was appointed by Keir, and Sue Gray danced to Keir's tune.
“Now his most senior advisor will not instead be dancing to Keir's tune, but will be instructing Keir on how to dance.
“I think that is a problem for a Prime Minister, because it means that you don't have people that you know are trusted around you. But it also means that other advisors will know that his word is not his bond, in that sense. And so I do think it is difficult.
“But the briefings are particularly common: it is Morgan McSweeney 101, it is what he does and in the latest book out about some of the machinations, show that. This is exactly what was being done to try and ease her out.
“It is the playbook of that kind of politics that has been pursued, and I do think it is dangerous.
“There is only one way I think that you can salvage this situation. I don't think it will be done, but it would be to appoint Sue Gray as the Cabinet Secretary.
“Simon Case was also a quasi non civil service appointment. He came via the external route. And so it would not be impossible to do that, and that would provide a woman at one of the top tables.”
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