The election guru who put Starmer in Downing Street

Morgan McSweeney is set to take over the role of Sue Gray

- JABED AHMED

Labour election guru Morgan McSweeney will take over as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, after Sue Gray quit citing fears she was “becoming a distraction” to the government.

The author of the Partygate report has been a high-profile figure in Sir Keir’s top team since she was appointed while Labour was in opposition last year. However, in recent weeks Sir Keir’s Downing Street operation has been plagued by reports of infighting as rows over Ms Gray’s £170,000 salary dominated the headlines.

Ms Gray’s departure on Sunday triggered a wider reshuffle in No 10. She will be replaced as chief of staff by Mr McSweeney, one of the key figures in Labour’s election campaign, who is reported to have clashed with Ms Gray.

As Labour election guru and one of Sir Keir’s closest aides, Mr McSweeney has huge influence within the party and was credited with Labour’s landslide general election victory earlier this year. But who exactly is Morgan McSweeney?

Early career in the Labour Party