Keir Starmer is scheduled to lead his inaugural devolved government summit on Friday, but without his new representative and former chief of staff Sue Gray. Ms. Gray was pushed out as Sir Keir’s key advisor and was asked to transition into a new role as his envoy for the nations and regions last weekend.
Despite being confirmed for her new position after weeks of turmoil behind the scenes at Number 10, Ms. Gray will be noticeably absent as she takes a short break before assuming her new responsibilities. When she was appointed to her new role, it was stated that Sir Keir had requested her to take on the position because reestablishing the relationship between the UK government and the devolved governments was a top priority for him.
However, Downing Street has consistently declined to disclose details such as Ms. Gray’s new salary, her reporting structure, and the specifics of her role. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden mentioned that Ms. Gray has been through a lot in recent weeks, justifying her need for a career break. He emphasized the importance of allowing her privacy during this time.
Cabinet ministers have reassured the public that there is a strong team in place at Downing Street despite Ms. Gray being replaced by former campaign manager Morgan McSweeney following weeks of leaks and negative briefings against her.
The upcoming summit will involve the prime minister announcing the creation of thousands of jobs in the green energy sector throughout the UK, with an investment of up to £24 billion secured prior to the International Investment Summit next week. This substantial investment will drive growth in the clean energy sector across various regions in the UK, showcasing confidence in the country’s long-term growth prospects.
Key investments include major contributions from energy companies like Iberdrola, Orsted, GreenVolt, and SeAh Wind UK, which are set to boost offshore wind farm projects and manufacturing facilities. Sir Keir expressed his optimism about these investments, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation nationwide.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the upcoming council meeting as a significant moment, indicating that the government acknowledges the importance of leveraging the capabilities of different regions to address national challenges. In preparation for the summit, Sir Keir appointed Poppy Gustafsson, a former cybersecurity executive, as the new “investment minister” to underscore the government’s dedication to strengthening ties with the business community.
Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal event in showcasing the UK’s commitment to economic growth and sustainability, with investments in the green energy sector leading the way towards a more prosperous future.
