### Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Distraction Concerns

LONDON -- In a surprising development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Sue Gray, resigned on Sunday, citing that increasing media attention on her role was becoming a disruptor to the government's work. Gray's decision to step down follows recent stories about internal friction between her and Starmer's chief adviser, Morgan McSweeney, and reports that she was earning a higher salary than the prime minister himself.

Gray's annual salary was reported by the BBC as £170,000 ($223,000), about £3,000 more than Starmer's. This discrepancy had fueled public and media scrutiny, possibly adding to the pressures leading to her resignation. Accepting a new position as Starmer's envoy for the regions and nations, Gray will now be replaced by McSweeney as the chief of staff at Downing Street.

"Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service," Gray stated. "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 is well known in Britain, having conducted the "Partygate" investigation in 2022. Her inquiry into former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his staff's alleged lockdown-breaking parties significantly contributed to Johnson's resignation last year.

After stepping down from her senior civil servant role, Gray joined the Labour Party, serving as Starmer's chief of staff until her recent resignation. Alongside Gray's departure, officials announced the creation of a new strategic communications team, marking further changes to Downing Street's operations.

Starmer, who became Britain's first Labour prime minister in 14 years following a resounding electoral victory in July, has faced recent criticism over Gray's salary. Adding to his woes, reports have emerged alleging that he and his wife accepted expensive gifts such as clothes and eyeglasses, accusations he has firmly denied.