When Sir Keir Starmer first approached Sue Gray early last year to be his chief of staff, he believed the veteran civil servant would bring her long Whitehall experience to Labour’s preparations for government.

Morgan McSweeney quashed leftwing factions in Lambeth and helped see off the BNP in Barking before coming to work for Sir Keir Starmer

Sue Gray’s departure has triggered a wider reshuffle of Number 10, and Morgan McSweeney is set to take over her role

Sue Gray has resigned as the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, saying she “risked becoming a distraction” after weeks of negative briefings against the top aide. She will be replaced by Sir Keir Starmer ‘s chief adviser, Morgan McSweeney.

It followed weeks of criticism and briefings against Ms Gray, who had reportedly clashed with Mr McSweeney in his role as the PM's chief political adviser. Downing Street will be hoping the promotion of Mr McSweeney,

Morgan McSweeney has been one of the most powerful men in the Labour Party for years. He’s now one of the most powerful men in the UK – but not many people have heard of him. Yesterday, McSweeney took over from Sue Gray as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff in No 10,