A controversy has erupted over Sue Gray, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, earning £170,000 annually, which is £3,000 more than Starmer himself. This pay disparity has sparked tension within the Labour Party, with accusations that Gray’s salary is leading to lower pay for other special advisers. A BBC report revealed Gray declined a suggestion to accept a salary slightly less than the PM to avoid controversy. Some government insiders claim that Gray's salary decision was made by officials and not by her. Critics argue that this issue highlights deeper conflicts and dysfunction within the current administration. Despite the backlash, a Cabinet Office spokesperson clarified that special adviser salaries are determined by officials, not political appointees.