In recent news, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended Labour leader Keir Starmer over his acceptance of free tickets and gifts, arguing that politicians need relaxation and engagement with cultural life. Reynolds stated that accepting freebies is part of the job, allowing politicians to engage with decision makers and sectors they cover. He emphasized the importance of transparency in declaring such gifts.
Additionally, Reynolds addressed the controversy surrounding Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, being paid more than the Prime Minister. He explained that pay bands for officials are set through an official process, not by politicians, and suggested that critics should understand the established system for determining salaries. Reynolds also clarified that Starmer does not personally decide Gray’s pay, as it is part of a larger process.
The conflict within the Labour adviser machine regarding Gray’s salary has raised concerns about operational effectiveness within the party. Government sources denied claims that Gray declined a pay cut to earn less than the PM. Reynolds defended the process of setting pay bands for advisers, highlighting the significance of following established protocols and emphasizing that the decision to increase top salaries was made by a committee of officials, not politicians.
Despite criticisms of hypocrisy regarding past criticisms of pay rises for political advisers, Reynolds maintained that the system for determining salaries is consistent and longstanding. The ongoing saga surrounding Gray’s salary and the potential impact on No 10’s functionality remains a point of interest, with further developments expected later in the day following Starmer’s series of interviews with regional TV editors.
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