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Media Coverage
The story shares space on the newspaper front pages – and online – with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks competing for coverage.
On social media, the story is very popular, as the public appears to have had a negative reaction to Gray being ousted.
Trending – Sue Gray quits No 10 role as Starmer looks to reset
The infamous Sue Gray is the trending news story in the UK today as the Labour chief of staff steps down after less than 3 months in the role. Gray will now become the Prime Minister’s envoy for the “regions and nations”, which will focus on keeping the UK together and devolution – it also comes with a notable pay cut.
Sue Gray’s departure comes amid a difficult time for the new Labour government which has been embroiled in several sleaze scandals and stories of distraction – Gray being one of the latter. Last month the BBC revealed Sue Gray earns more than the prime minister, a story which became national news, and a headline for many publications.
Key facts
- Sue Gray has stepped down from her role as chief of staff
- She will now become the PM’s envoy for regions and nations
- It comes a month after a BBC journalist revealed Gray’s salary – revealing she earns more than the PM
- Her new job comes with a significant pay cut
- There is speculation over whether she quit or was forced out by the PM
The reaction
Depending on which publication you read, you’ll get different versions of Sue Gray’s sudden departure. The traditionally Tory-supporting right-leaning media suggests Gray was pushed out by Starmer. In these publications, you’ll see words such as ‘ousted’ and ‘coup’ to describe Gray’s departure from the role of chief of staff. Similar publications suggest Starmer is showing his ruthless side, with one newspaper commenting he stabbed Gray in the back.
Furthering the conversation, some editorials suggest the recent chaos shows the prime minister has poor judgement and the recent chaos around the government (including Starmer’s handling of the freebie backlash) highlights the crisis surrounding the new government.
Some publications suggest Gray quit – believing she fled a sinking ship.
For the left-leaning newspapers, a different tone and narrative is highlighted. They welcome the departure of Gray – whose only crime here is earning more than the PM – they claim the government can now get back on track and focus on delivering change.
Other left-leaning media suggests she was ousted by her replacement Morgan McSweeney’s supporters and the battle between McSweeney and Gray turned toxic.
Online, there are wild discussions as to whether Gray quit or was forced out by Starmer. Many online are highlighting the media hypocrisy over the handling of Gray’s salary – with one online noting that BBC political editor Chris Mason (who unleashed the row over Gray’s salary) earns around £95,000 more than Sue Gray did.
The BBC’s political editor; Chris Mason, who earns approximately £95,000 more than Sue Gray, gloats over her resignation. Life sure is different for men, especially men who work at the BBC.
@markofbattersea
Most of the online discussion is in support of Gray – with many feeling like she’s been used as a scapegoat by the media and the government. So much fuss has been made over her salary – a scandal that the media chose to make.
There’s a feeling that Starmer has not handled the past few months well, especially in his dealings over the Gray “scandal” and the “scandal” over free gifts.
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Trending on social media
What are users saying on Twitter/X?
Read the Tweets!
Isn't it strange how BBC political 'journalist' Chris Mason hounded Sue Gray about her salary, having said fuck all about the salary of Tory counterpart Simon Case? Incidentally Case earned more than Gray.
— Jeff hough (@Jeffhough9) October 6, 2024
We’re facing the potential of a war setting the Middle East alight, already thousands are being killed in Lebanon, & what is the focus of the boys around KeIr Starmer’s office, carving up Sue Gray & grabbing her job & salary. Words fail me.
— John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) October 6, 2024
A day of shame for the media in this country. They have secured Sue Gray’s resignation because, as she recognises, she’s become a distraction. Journalists who earn considerably more than she does have seen fit to make her salary a public scandal. Vultures. Time for Leveson II.
— Livia Augusta (@LiviaAugusta10) October 6, 2024
