Sue Gray 'was in talks with Labour for a year' to become Starmer's Chief of ... trends now

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The Partygate investigator who triggered a row by applying for a job as Sir Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff was in negotiations with Labour for around a year, The Mail on Sunday has been told.

There was outcry when it was revealed earlier this month that Sue Gray, who conducted an inquiry into Boris Johnson's behaviour in Downing Street during the pandemic, would be switching to a party political role.

Officials speculated about whether the civil servant had been leaking Government information to Labour – something her friends categorically deny. Senior advisers to Sir Keir urged him to U-turn on the plan.

This newspaper has also established that on November 7 last year – when Ms Gray is understood to have been in discussions with Labour – she sent a letter to Harriet Harman, chairman of the Commons Privileges Committee which last week cross-examined Mr Johnson about whether he misled MPs over gatherings held in Downing Street during the Covid lockdowns.