Magistrates have ordered a Grays vape shop to close for a month after Thurrock Trading Standards officers found illegal tobacco and vapes during an inspection Officers carried out the inspection at Shelby's at the start of April after concerns were raised that the shop was selling tobacco and vaping products to underage children which was assisted by Billy the tobacco-detecting dog officers found over 22,000 illegal cigarettes and more than 250 illegal vapes As well as the one month closure order the shop owner has had to give a legal undertaking to Chelmsford Magistrates Court promising not to sell illicit tobacco or vapes and not to allow underage sales at the premises If they are found doing any of these things in the next 12 months they will be in contempt of court and face criminal charges The shop was also ordered to pay more than £1,700 in costs This is the second time in less than 12 months that the shop has been found to be selling illegal and illicit products In August 2024 the then owner of the shop was ordered to pay over £6,000 in fines and costs after illegal vapes and tobacco were found hidden in the wall and under the shop counter Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment said: “Our Trading Standards officers took action after we had received complaints that this shop was selling to underage children and that illicit products sold by them had made their customers ill “We will always take action to keep tobacco and vapes out of the hands of children There is no excuse for selling illegal tobacco and vaping products or selling to children “I hope that this will serve as a warning to business across the borough If you put your customers and our residents in danger we will find you and we will take action to stop you.” The action was part of the joint HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards initiative which has been working to seize illicit tobacco since January 2021 If anyone has any information about the sale of illicit tobacco or illegal vapes from this premises or any others you can report it by calling 0808 223 1133 or through our website Residents can also report underage tobacco or vape sales on our website at thurrock.gov.uk/underage-sales Phone: +44 (0) 1858 438800 Email: [email protected] Find new and used Farm Machinery,Farm Equipment, Livestock and Property for sale All those carefully laid plans to lamb inside to avoid the harsh weather Login Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights the latest on the beef markets and a look ahead Careers special - View from the Classroom: "It is vital we push agriculture more into our primary and secondary schools" Alan Carter farms in partnership with his parents Dan Hawes produces strawberry and raspberry plants for the UK fruit market with Blaise Plants The arable side of the business includes environmental schemes Farmers say poor connectivity threatens to stifle productivity and diversification All material is copyright Farmers Guardian Limited. Farmers Guardian and Farmersguardian.com are registered trademarks of Farmers Guardian Limited, Unit 4 Fulwood Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, England, PR2 9NZ. Farmers Guardian Limited is registered in England and Wales with company registration number 07931451. Part of Arc network, www.arc-network.com Tickets & Hospitality Matches Shop LUTV Foundation More... Map GRAYS Athletic made it a nine Isthmian North wins in a row with a hard-fought away victory against a skillful and well-drilled Redbridge side on Saturday (19 April). But they left it oh so late to seal the win when most of the travelling fans would probably have settled for a point This Grays side is though made of stern stuff and Redbridge were much the better side in the first half passing the ball crisply on their excellent 3G pitch but Blues turned it round after the break and eventually pushed their hosts to breaking point resting a few players and giving others the chance to shine Kenedi Dariri created the first chance of the game He fed Harry Hope whose chip over the defence found Shane Temple who shot straight at home keeper from a Matas Skarna cross but leaning back there was controversy when Hope’s ball sent Aron Gordon clear through on goal and he was downed by Spence Referee Mr Maher applied the “double jeopardy” rule awarding the penalty but only showing Spence a yellow card when he could very easily have seen red. Spence then pulled off a fine save to deny Elliott Sartorius’s spot kick Redbridge took strength from this and started to dominate possession with ex-Blue Karl Kayembe and Solomon Ogunwojomu controlling things in midfield There was danger when Tendai Quamina found himself in the clear – he rounded Danny Sambridge in the Grays goal but Dariri was on hand to snuff out the chance But Redbridge were soon in the lead thanks to another former Grays man Nidal Berri who took advantage of some slack defending to create space for himself and pick his spot for a 1-0 lead Quamina then had a chance to double the lead but his shot was wild Napa shot straight at Sambridge and Jack Chawner was only stopped by a fine block tackle from Dariri Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" From reality TV to owning the runways, Amelia Gray affirms her supermodel status. But her passions don’t stop at the catwalk 1/20Native ShareAmelia Gray at H&M Block PartyPhoto: Marsha Bernstein (Getty Images) 2/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin arrives to the 2024 WSJ Magazines Innovator AwardsPhoto: James Devaney (GC Images) 3/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin attends the Aritzia SoHO opening partyPhoto: TheStewartofNY/GC Images 4/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin arrives to the Michael Kors Collection Fall/Winter 2025 Runway ShowPhoto: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images 5/20Native ShareAmelia Gray is seen during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026Photo: Robino Salvatore/GC Images AS Grays Athletic began 2025 with the disappointment of a postponed match today (Wednesday 1 January) there was still plenty for Blues fans to consider after a new year message from the club’s board about plans to move to their planned new ground at Ship Lane The club expect to take possession of the former Thurrock FC ground in the very near future – but say they are unlikely to be able to play there until the 2026-27 season It’s a year and a half since the club’s joint planning application with car dealers Group One Automotive was approved by Thurrock Council and negotiations then began over the final legal agreements In a statement to the club’s fan-based ownership and supporters the directors say: “Grays Athletic Football Club would like to wish all of our supporters volunteers and sponsors a very Happy New Year “2025 is set to be a monumental year for the club as we take ownership of Ship Lane and for the first time in the club’s history we will finally own our own ground and have a place to call home “It is incredible to think that almost 15 years ago the club played its last game at the New Rec and that it would take this long to finally have a home to call our own The club is indebted to the dedication and determination of a number of individuals who have ensured that the dream of finally owning our own ground has come to fruition protracted process to achieve the dream of owning Ship Lane from failed planning applications and setbacks to that wonderful moment when the council’s planning committee finally approved the application “The dedication and superb commitment to the cause by the Board of Directors and our wonderful supporters we are almost ready to start the monumental task of bringing Ship Lane back to life are in no doubt of the magnitude of the task ahead commitment and resolve to bring the stadium up to a standard to be able to play football there once again “A survey has been completed of the works required and the club are now accessing this report and the various funding opportunities available to the club through a number of different grants to be able to start the refurbishment “It was hoped that the club would be able to move into Ship Lane for the 2025/26 season Talks are continuing with Tilbury FC to extend our ground share agreement into next season “The club has been inundated with offers of help from individuals and businesses to bring Ship Lane back to life and we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who has contacted the club We hope to be able to begin the process of refurbishment within the next few months “We would like to thank all our supporters who have continued to support the club through thick and thin “It is testament to our supporters that despite not owning our own ground for 15 years that core of loyal support has never left our side and we would like to thank you for your unwavering and steadfast support It is never taken for granted and is always appreciated.” Thurrock Council is inviting residents to have their say on exciting plans to improve access to the Grays Riverside area include opening up the Grays waterfront by building a new footpath linking Kilverts Field and Grays Beach Park and creating new seating areas Grays was awarded £19.9million as part of the government's Towns Fund scheme These proposals have been put forward by Grays Towns Board which was formed to create a vision for Grays and put forward schemes for the town said: "These proposals are an exciting first step in regenerating Grays and helping to open-up the town's scenic riverfront "We want to hear what residents have to say about the plans that the Grays Towns Board have put forward." Residents can learn more about the proposals at 3 events that will take place in Grays in the next fortnight: An online survey will also give residents an opportunity to have their say: consult.thurrock.gov.uk/grays-riverside-24 Image below: an artist's impression of the proposals. 2025https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-at-home-hair-color-kitsSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links a master colorist and stylist in New York City is the first to recommend at-home solutions that will keep his color clients covered (literally) for a bit longer between their visits to his chair “Use this between color sessions to maintain shine,” Korab suggests. “It’s especially helpful for brassiness or dullness in blondes or brunettes.” "Pro hack: Use a toothbrush, mascara wand, or a small tint or color brush to apply this exactly where you need coverage, like around the face or in the crown,” Maccaro says. According to Maccaro, the formula is best for virgin hair, previously colored hair, or grown-out highlights. Why it’s worth it: “IGK’s Permanent Hair Color Kit is a favorite of mine for clients looking for quick results with serious shine and dimension—all in a 20-minute session or up to 45 minutes if your gray is particularly resistant,” says Maccaro “I also love the range of shades and the price point.” Pro hack: This won't lighten previously colored hair; it will only match or darken your current shade pick a shade one level lighter than your natural hair color.” “Aim for something just a touch lighter than your natural base color to avoid harsh According to Novobielsky, temporary color is a sound option for anyone new to at-home color—or color in general. “It’s a great way to explore color options,” he says. According to the brand, the hair color gel provides about eight weeks of color. opt for a demi-permanent or semi-permanent color in a lighter neutral or warm tone,” Maccaro says “This will soften your gray without creating harsh root lines and look super natural.” “Gray hair tends to be more coarse and porous so look for formulas labeled as ‘gray coverage’ or ‘rich coverage,’” says Esposito “Demi-permanent dyes are great for first-timers or those who want less commitment while permanent formulas are ideal for high-percentage gray.” In terms of color Maccaro suggests looking for hues described as “neutral,” “natural,” or “natural gold.” These colors have flattering results on most skin tones and “help counteract the starkness of the gray.” “It depends on skin tone, but in general, going a bit lighter or warmer can soften features and create a more natural blend with grays as they grow in,” Esposito says “Super dark shades may draw attention to regrowth or even golden caramel tone often blends grays more seamlessly and ages more gracefully.” choose a shade that’s one level lighter than your natural color or your desired tone,” she instructs “This gives you more wiggle room to adjust and avoids the ‘box dye went too dark’ look.” For our review of the best hair color for gray hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, colorists, and hairstylists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal Check out more hair color tips directly from the Allure team: Take a look at Gracie Abrams' 10-minute routine for glowy For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 01:21 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Variable cloud with some bright or clear spells Variable amounts of cloud feeding in from the North Sea through the night with winds mostly easing Coastal showers remain possible with brisk winds here Possible rural grass frost in western parts where winds become light by dawn A cold and fine start for most with variable There should be some bright or sunny spells mainly fine weather with sunny or clear spells and mostly light winds Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average THANKS to pressure brought to bear by Thurrock Council work has begun to repair the roof of the State Cinema making the building watertight and protecting historic internal features said: “We are well aware of the historic importance of the State Cinema which is why we have made it a priority to ensure that vital repairs take place to the roof to prevent even further damage to its interior “We have ensured the owner knows just how important this iconic building is to our residents and the borough and that the owner is aware of their duty to maintain the fabric of the State Cinema and to do all they can to protect what remains of its original features Historic England to ensure that all works are appropriate and carried out in a way that protects the building’s integrity and heritage “We hope that very soon we will receive a formal application for the reuse of the building “We are pleased to see that the owner is taking their responsibilities for this building and its heritage seriously. This also shows just how important the work Historic England and the council have been doing has been “The Council will continue working with both Historic England and the owners to ensure The State Cinema is protected.” THURROCK will once again be marking International Holocaust Memorial Day with a service in Grays Brooks Memorial Rest Garden on the junction of Palmer’s Avenue and High View Avenue in Grays where a permanent Holocaust memorial is located which features contribution from local schoolchildren was created in memory of Herbert E Brooks – a senior figure in the cement industry a public servant in Thurrock and Essex and a local historian Revelation Keir Starmer’s chief of staff is paid more than PM adding to anger over salary cuts Sue Gray has been given a salary of £170,000 as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff – more than the prime minister – prompting fury among Labour colleagues who have taken lower pay since entering government Gray was given a pay rise after the election despite other political special advisers being unhappy that their salary was reduced compared with their previous jobs at the Labour party The BBC first reported that Gray was paid £3,000 more than Starmer’s salary of £166,786 One source told the broadcaster: “It was suggested that she might want to go for a few thousand pounds less than the prime minister to avoid this very story Government sources, however, disputed that claim. One said: “This allegation is categorically untrue. Sue Gray had no involvement in any decision on her pay She was informed of her salary after this had been set.” The revelation triggered a backlash among Labour advisers many of whom also blame Gray for restrictions on pay and conditions for special advisers Some have unionised in response to the terms which include enforcing three-month probation periods one Labour source said it was “hard to put in words how much anger this has created” saying the story had prompted gasps in a room of their colleagues Another said Gray had “micromanaged every appointment” of special advisers and many blamed her for their lower pay compared with Conservative-era aides it emerged special advisers were unionising over concerns about their pay and terms with briefings that a number of aides believed Gray was “denting morale” among their peers because of the difference in pay between the two governments Conservatives immediately seized on the news with Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick saying on X: “£20,000 a year pay rise for Sue Gray £600 cuts for some pensioners on as little as £13,000 a year Gray’s salary is higher than any previous special adviser according to published data relating to former administrations Her predecessor in the chief of staff job for Rishi Sunak Gray took a job with Starmer after working in the civil service at the Department for Levelling Up where her salary band was £150,000-£155,000 The prime minister signed off a rebanding of the salaries for special advisers shortly after taking office No 10 is now likely to face questions over who exactly approved an increase in the “banding” for pay for the most senior special advisers The BBC reported that a Whitehall committee of civil servants responsible for special adviser pay and terms had also been attended by Gray and No 10’s director of political strategy Government sources said she had been present only in an advisory role at the meetings Free daily newsletterOur morning email breaks down the key stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters Downing Street denied this week that there was a “nest of vipers” within No 10 after tensions between supporters of Gray and allies of McSweeney Some senior Labour sources are frustrated with Gray for what they see as her blocking access to the prime minister and slowing down decision-making by making sure everything goes through her saying: “I’m not going to talk behind her back and I’m not going to talk about individual members of staff whether it’s Sue Gray or any other member of staff.” “All I can say about the stories is most of them are wildly wrong.” A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer was satisfied that the cabinet secretary Mauritius-based spirits distributor and producer Grays has launched two new initiatives to improve its brands’ sustainability In support of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), Grays has introduced a new collection of Lazy Dodo Rum olive-coloured sunglasses in collaboration with Helios The initiative aims to raise funds to help save the olive white-eye bird As this rare bird’s ‘species champion’ Lazy Dodo Rum is fully committed to preserving Mauritian biodiversity through the initiative said: “Lazy Dodo Rum fully embodies this commitment its disappearance reminds us of the urgency of preserving the exceptional nature of our island we also want to raise awareness through innovative projects.” Following the initial collaboration with EcoSpirits and Grays’ Gecko Bay rum this year the company has also adapted the environmentally friendly EcoTote dispensers for Seven Seas Cane Spirit The launch for Seven Seas took place on Wednesday 23 October at Preskil Hotel The initiative marks an important step in Grays’ journey towards more responsible and sustainable consumption The move towards the EcoTotes will help Grays and Seven Seas to significantly reduce their environmental footprint by eliminating single-use glass bottles from their supply chain restaurant and café/catering) business unit manager at Grays we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and promoting more sustainable practices Seven Seas ecoSpirits is a new step in this direction and the use of EcoTotes fits perfectly into this approach our commitment to ocean conservation aligns with Seven Seas’ values we also want to raise awareness among the public to adopt environmentally friendly products A fight that requires everyone’s participation.” Earlier this year, Grays introduced new colourful branding for its New Grove rum We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again A DEVELOPMENT of 37 new homes has been given the go ahead by Thurrock Council reports the Local Democracy Reporter The council has approved a mix of houses and flats on land adjacent to Dell Road and Orsett Road The 1.5 acre site is near to Oddfellows Hall Health Centre to the north Grays Hall to the east and within 100 metres of Grays town centre and Grays train station with concerns including additional traffic litter and smells and the possibility of excessive noise The objectors also felt it was “out of character” with the area The plans include an electric substation and homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps The council’s environmental health officer reviewed a submitted noise impact assessment In terms of the impact of noise from the proposed electric substation The officer concluded the noise generated by the substation would be below the existing noise levels and would “therefore result in no adverse noise levels The officer also concluded if the heat pumps were sited at the minimum 3 metre distance from the homes Thurrock Council currently has less than one year’s housing supply needs a fact which developers can use in any subsequent appeals against refusal planning officers said: “The Nation Planning Policy Framework states that where a council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land to meet the needs of its residents the “tilted balance” in favour of sustainable development is engaged and significant weight must be afforded to the delivery of new homes in the overall planning balance when making a decision on a planning application for housing “The adverse impacts of the proposal would need to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the delivery of housing and the significant benefits of the proposal in this sustainable location clearly outweigh any negative effects.” was the fifth anniversary of the Grays lorry tragedy tragically lost their lives when travelling to the UK Their bodies were discovered in a lorry in Grays who was the Area Dean of Thurrock at the time has spoken to the BBC about the aftermath of the tragedy Listen on BBC Sounds from 2:13:41 Read more on the BBC website Acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich has announced that the Rev’d Canon Samantha Brazier-Gibbs will be the next Archdeacon of Ipswich and Director of Inspiring Ipswich for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich A rural church nestled in the Essex countryside has overcome the challenges of not having broadband The Venerable Dr Sue Lucas has been installed as the new Archdeacon of Southend POLICE would like to speak to Rodney Alberto in connection with an investigation into an aggravated burglary in Grays has links to the Lewisham area of South London If you’ve seen him or if you know where he is please call 101 and quote crime reference number 42/146214/23 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111 After complaints over pay and life in government Labour’s special advisers seem placated by Morgan McSweeney’s more conciliatory tone Clashes between powerful figures inside Downing Street and special advisers are nothing new Dominic Cummings – Boris Johnson’s right-hand man inside No 10 – had several high-profile bust-ups with spads which even led to the departure of a cabinet minister Theresa May’s pugilistic chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill became known for their confrontational style Tory MPs and advisers alike with her blunt text messages unprecedented for the entire spad cadre to feel so aggrieved over how they believe they’re being treated that they come together to take a stand many of Labour’s spads were revealed to have joined a union over concerns about their pay They used their contacts in the media to complain not just about their own situation – with many offered salaries lower than those of their Tory predecessors and temporary contracts – but also what they perceived to be a lack of understanding in No 10 of the political side of the operation the finger of blame was pointed at Sue Gray who had also become the target of criticism over blocking access to the prime minister and holding up decisions “We were really angry over the lack of transparency over pay There was so much pettiness,” one spad told the Guardian “There was no reason for not telling us pay scales or what Tory advisers had got – we had to find out from officials It put everybody’s backs up from the get go.” Another said: “The fundamental issue is that Sue Gray did not value the contribution that political advisers make We can talk about pay and all of that but ultimately this is about the value at which those jobs were regarded.” having been warned by senior aides and cabinet ministers that he had to “get a grip” on the No 10 operation or risk internal power struggles undermining the government His top political aide, Morgan McSweeney He had worked alongside many spads in opposition and at the coalface of the election campaign No 10 hoped his appointment would mean the spad rebellion would be over that more than 50 special advisers and Labour officials crowded into a committee room in the House of Commons on Tuesday night to listen to the man who had just taken over as No 10 chief of staff known as “Spad school” under the Conservatives was McSweeney’s first opportunity to address the whole group about their grievances since Gray was ousted I’m getting a grip of it and it should never have happened,” one said “There’s an understanding that it will be sorted very Another said: “He gave us an undertaking to address pay and so on He knows how hard we all worked and acknowledged that things should have been better when we got here Others described his 10-minute speech to aides as a “pep talk” to reignite the sense of camaraderie that had existed during the general election campaign but had been lacking since “I don’t think one talk will change everything overnight but it definitely helped,” one said Another added: “The genuine feeling is that this has been resolved now and it’s going to get to a better place.” to help the different teams of spads across departments deliver on the government’s priorities Nor were they disciplined for briefing against her who gave them a commitment that the grid – the weekly diary of announcements – would improve special advisers told the Guardian they felt reassured their concerns would be dealt with There’s a sense that everybody is pulling in the right direction now,” one said “This is about the strategic direction of the government and how it functions Our mood reflected dismay at how Sue Gray had done things without due attention being given to the political side of things.” Even Starmer is feeling more upbeat after a particularly difficult few days One ally said: “Keir seemed very chipper when I saw him this week He does this sometimes – he has a big clear-out of staff and it cheers him up But some in Westminster caution the spads from assuming that all their concerns over pay and contracts will be resolved immediately The Cabinet Office had already announced a review into pay scales last month a former Tory adviser and author of The Secret Life of Special Advisers but it doesn’t mean your pay is going to go up “At the end of the day the power is with senior figures like McSweeney and the Cabinet Office and the number of spads and overall staffing bill will be factors in this They’re feeling that things are better and want to see what happens who worked in three different government departments explained how it was a “weird” role with no real job description and people with vastly different levels of experience making it harder to have a single pay structure “Some are glorified bag handlers and others have very serious input on politics Senior Whitehall figures also warn there will be no sudden resolution to the conflict No 10 has agreed in principle to the pay review but is understood still to be haggling over the terms of reference “Everyone assumes it will be fixed under Morgan,” one says Nor should Downing Street be reassured that the spad rebellion is over for good One adviser said they hoped there would be no more problems Allies of Starmer’s ex-chief of staff say she has turned down nations and regions role Sue Gray has decided not to take up the post of nation and regions envoy after it became clear Keir Starmer was planning to withdraw his offer Sources said the prime minister’s former chief of staff who was on a “short break” between roles after standing down almost six weeks ago had been told No 10 was likely to rescind the job offer before she had even taken it up Downing Street insiders had grown concerned about the media attention that would follow Gray which could have made it harder for her to carry out the role They were also unclear about what exactly the job would entail who is in Baku at the Cop29 climate summit This would give her the freedom to promote issues that were important to her – including devolution – from the House of Lords One government source said Gray had been told Starmer planned to rescind his offer “Sue wasn’t told for sure that the job was no longer on offer but she was warned that was the direction of travel,” they said “The way some people are behaving towards her is really horrible.” Allies of the former senior civil servant had previously told the Guardian she had questions over how much power she would actually have as envoy and whether she would have sufficient access to the prime minister with speculation swirling over her position her allies admitted that she had jumped before she was pushed after weeks of prevaricating over the role “Sue has taken a decision not to take the role,” one said She’s taken time to think about it properly but ultimately she’s decided she doesn’t want to do it.” Starmer’s spokesperson later confirmed that Gray was not taking up the job “While we would not usually comment on individual members of staff … I can confirm that she has now decided not to take up the role,” she said She indicated that no one else would be put into the job saying: “I don’t have any immediate plans to update you on as to further recruitment resetting our relationships and working with the regions and nations has been at the heart of everything the government does.” Gray had been “uniquely placed for that role” Gray had been a popular choice with regional and national leaders – particularly Labour ones – who credited her with bringing them “into the room” with Starmer and making sure their views were taken into account anxiety that her departure could make it harder to engage with Downing Street appeared to have been unfounded One regional politician said: “I was very concerned her absence would affect our access to No 10 – she really did make a difference – but that hasn’t happened.” Another added: “We had a great relationship with Sue but are relaxed about this because we also have a very good relationship with Morgan and No 10 who seem as committed to mayors and regions as before.” Gray resigned as Starmer’s chief of staff after finding herself at the centre of a political storm Starmer shook up his entire top team after facing intense pressure to put an end to the hostile briefings that had at times overshadowed his first 100 days in office The senior official, who had spent decades as a civil servant and became a household name after Boris Johnson asked her to investigate the Partygate scandal was replaced as chief of staff by Morgan McSweeney who masterminded Labour’s general election victory and with whom she sometimes found herself at odds in government Downing Street announced at the same time that Gray would take on a new government role as the prime minister’s envoy for the regions and nations. Yet she did not attend Starmer’s inaugural gathering of the council of nations and regions which was intended to reset relationships and boost growth in every part of the UK Gray said she was standing down as chief of staff because it had “become clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction to the government’s vital work of change” It is unclear whether she was paid in the interim.