- Former official’s undisclosed contact with Labour raises concerns over impartiality
- Labour defends hiring decision amid accusations of compromising investigation
- Advisory Committee recommends measures to address potential conflict of interest
The Cabinet Office said former employee Sue Grey violated civil service rules by failing to record Labour job offer communication.
Last Monday, Parliament’s appointments adviser approved Ms. Grey’s employment for Labour.
It stated that she could begin in September as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff.
Labour stated that all regulations were followed and labeled the discovery a “political stunt.”
The party stated that the Cabinet Office “wasted weeks on this Mickey Mouse nonsense.”A Labour spokesperson stated, “We look forward to Sue Grey joining us in September as we continue to demonstrate to the nation that only Labour can build a better Britain.
Labour claimed that Ms. Grey had only one phone call with Sir Keir before her March resignation and that the conversation did not concern government business.
It is expected that civil servants, who devise and implement government policies, will be politically neutral.
Cabinet Office minister Jeremy Quin stated in a statement that the government’s investigation revealed that the code “was prima facie violated as a result of Ms. Gray’s undisclosed contact with the opposition leader.”
Mr. Quin stated that Ms. Grey had the opportunity to make a statement but chose not to.
As Ms. Grey is no longer employed by the government, the Cabinet Office is unable to impose any retroactive penalties.
Mr. Quin stated that the norms and guidelines governing the conduct of public servants are clear and transparent. This unfortunate turn of events is extremely regrettable.
Ms. Grey was thrust into the public eye last year when, while Boris Johnson was prime minister, she lead an investigation into government office gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her report revealed that staff attended multiple events while the rest of the United Kingdom was under lockdown. And she partially placed the responsibility on Downing Street’s leadership.
The article prompted calls for Mr. Johnson’s resignation, which contributed to Tory dissatisfaction that ousted him as prime minister.
Some Tories were outraged that Ms. Grey was offered the position of chief of staff to the Labour leader, contending that it compromised the impartiality of her investigation into lockdown-breaking parties.
Last Monday, Acoba claimed that Ms. Grey could not start her new job with Labour until September.
Ms. Grey told Acoba that Sir Keir called her in October to propose working for Labour in a senior role.
The committee stated that it was normal for individuals to discuss the possibility of new positions before leaving office. But that any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
The committee found no evidence that Labour impacted her civil service activities or impartiality.
However, the report stated that there remained “a potential risk to the perceived impartiality of the civil service that would be exacerbated” if she promptly accepted the position upon leaving office.
In addition to a six-month break, the committee recommended that Ms. Grey refrains from petitioning the government on behalf of the opposition for two years following her departure from the civil service.
Ms. Grey will help Labour prepare for government after a general election next year.
