Keir Starmer 'condemned for silence' on Sue Gray

Sue Gray advised MPs on the privileges committee investigating Boris Johnson. Photo: Peter McDiarmid/LNP

Sir Keir Starmer's silence on Sue Gray's appointment «condemns him», said Michael Gove.

The Secretary for Advanced Studies said he thought the former partygate investigator, who has now left to become the Labor leader's chief of staff, was an honest woman. .

But he said that Sir Keir was «dishonorable» by not sharing details about when he first approached her with a job offer.

The opposition leader repeatedly refused to disclose the timing . talks with a former senior civil servant.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Labor leader had initiated contact with Ms Gray about the position in October, at least four months before her appointment was announced.

Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday night, Mr Gove was asked if he thought Ms Gray was an honest woman, to which he replied «totally».

When asked if he was worried her appointment, Mr Gove replied: “Yes, and they are related to the role of Keir Starmer. .

“The key is that Keir Starmer was able to share with the public, with Acoba (Business Appointments Advisory Committee) and even with the Cabinet, the details of all his contacts with Sue and all his team's contacts with Sue and others.

“He decided not to do it. His silence condemns him, it is dishonorable, untrustworthy, wrong, Starmer is responsible.»

pressure due to proposal timing the work of Sue Gray. Photo: PA

Mr. Gove worked closely with Ms. Gray when she was Second Permanent Secretary in his Department of Upgrading, Housing and Communities.

He also accused Sir Keir of being «quirky». over questions about Ms Grey, and was urged to 'confess' about being contacted about a senior position in the Labor Party.

Mr Gove said he was 'avoiding the question'; when it came to revealing when the job offer was made to the former high-ranking civil servant.

On ITV's Peston, he said: «The man who can clear things up is Keir Starmer.»

All Keir Starmer needs is to cooperate. to say what kind of contacts he initiated.

"He should be honest, he should not kind of «accept the Fifth [Amendment]»' and avoiding the question.

"This only reinforces the impression that people get the impression that he is cunning and that he cannot be frank with us"

& #39; Political trick'

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, also released his take on the situation on Wednesday, with his spokesman saying it was «obviously disappointing.» that Ms Gray decided not to participate in the government process to examine her planned move to Labor.

Labour defended its decision not to participate in the Cabinet investigation into her departure, calling it "a political stunt&#34 ;.

Oliver Dowden, Deputy Prime Minister, who gave MPs an update on the scrutiny on Tuesday, said the ministry had provided a «confidential assessment.» in Acoba.

The Independent Appointment Review Body will recommend a review period of three months to two years to avoid any conflict of interest once it completes its own separate review of Ms Gray's departure in March.< /p>

Nick Thomas-Symonds , Labour's shadow trade minister, said the party leader's office was «following the right process entirely.»

He told Peston he «wouldn't be surprised.» if Akoba recommended a «gardening holiday period»; for Ms. Grey.

The Civil Service Code dictates that a high-ranking Whitehall official of Ms. Gray's position cannot hold political office for three months, but an appointment watchdog may extend that period.

Mr Thomas-Symonds called Ms Grey, who led a government investigation into allegations of parties being held on Downing Street during the coronavirus lockdown, a person of 'great integrity' and praised her 'wonderful career.»< /p>