Ministers question if Sue Gray followed rules – as messages reveal Tory divides on Labour appointment
Tory MPs are fighting between themselves over Sue Gray’s decision to leave the civil service to work for Labour, leaked WhatsApp messages reveal – as questions continue to swirl over the controversial job move.
In a series of exchanges seen by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates, allies of Boris Johnson clashed with their colleagues who warned against criticising the decision by Sir Keir Starmer to hire the author of the partygate report.
Sky News revealed on Friday that the Labour leader appointed the top official as his chief of staff after she left the civil service.
Politics live: Tory MPs row over WhatsApp about how to respond to Sue Gray taking job with Starmer
The news has prompted outrage from some Tory MPs, especially those loyal to Mr Johnson, who said the findings of her investigation into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street are now invalid and it was a “Labour stitch-up”.
However, the messages leaked to Sky News show not all Conservatives are happy with this attack line, with former minister Jackie Doyle-Price warning it is “ill judged” and “burning our constitution”.
Ms Doyle-Price said in a group chat on Monday morning: “A reminder folks – Boris Johnson appointed Sue Gray to investigate partygate. No one else. So much for a stitch up . He wasn’t brought down by partygate. Or by Whitehall.
“He lost the confidence of the Parliamentary party over the appointment of the previous deputy chief whip (Chris Pincher).”
The former minister warned “this anti-Whitehall pile on is simply burning our constitution”.
Allies of Boris Johnson clashed with Conservative colleagues over Sue Gray’s move to Labour
“Starmer has shown poor judgment here but a lot of what is being said by Colleagues is also I’ll [sic] judged,” she said.
However, the Conservative MP for Workington, Mark Jenkinson, disagreed, saying the former senior civil servant was making “a mockery of the system she purported to be protecting”.
Tim Loughton, the backbench MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, came partially to Ms Doyle-Price’s defence, arguing that criticism should be focused on Sir Keir rather than Sue Gray to avoid “refocussing public attention on partygate”.
But it was former culture secretary Nadine Dorries who most aggressively rejected the appeal to step back from attacks, starting her message: “Are you serious, Jackie?”.
Tory MPs fight between themselves over Sue Gray in leaked WhatsApp chat
The scale of the rancour and emotion over Boris Johnson and the decision by top official Sue Gray to work for Labour was on display today in a WhatsApp exchange obtained by Sky News.
In a series of messages on a group chat this morning, allies of Johnson clashed with other Tories who warned against criticising the decision by Sir Keir Starmer to hire the author of the party gate report.
The leaked WhatsApps show the depth of decision between allies of Johnson and the rest.
A message by former minister Jackie Doyle-Price said attacks on Sue Gray and the civil service were “ill judged” and were “burning our constitution”.
The Conservative MP for Workington, Mark Jenkinson, who has made his criticised Ms Gray and Sir Keir loudly and repeatedly, was having none of it – saying the former senior civil servant was making “a mockery of the system she purported to be protecting”.
Tim Loughton, the backbench MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, came partially to Jackie Doyle-Price’s defence, arguing that criticism should be focused on Starmer rather than Sue Gray to avoid “refocussing public attention on partygate”.
But it was former culture secretary Nadine Dorries who most aggressively rejected the appeal to step back from attacks, starting her message: “Are you serious, Jackie?”.
In the midst of all the arguments, one MP made the point that such disagreements should probably be kept off WhatsApp – “It will leak”, observed Paul Bristow.
Tory MPs row over Sue Gray: Read the full exchange
The messages lay bare the scale of the rancour and emotion over Mr Johnson’s departure and Ms Gray’s perceived role in it, after her partygate report found there was a “failure of leadership and judgment” in Number 10 during his premiership.
Mr Johnson, who ordered the civil servant’s investigation, went on to receive one of the 126 fines issued by the Metropolitan Police during its own probe.
The former prime minister narrowly survived a no-confidence vote over the scandal, but was forced to resign a month later after support in his cabinet collapsed over his handling of the Chris Pincher affair.
He remains under investigation by the cross-party Privileges Committee over whether he lied to parliament with his denials of lockdown-flouting parties.
Sue Gray ‘may have breached rules’
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Sue Gray job sparks fiery debate
The leaked messages emerged amid a heated debate on Ms Gray’s hiring in the Commons – with Labour dismissing the furore as a “conspiracy theory” spread by Mr Johnson and his allies.
Several Conservative MPs raised concerns about her planned move to the Opposition and pressed it to release the full details of their exchanges with the former civil servant.
Jeremy Quinn, a government minister, cast doubt on whether the partygate investigator followed the proper process of notifying officials about her planned job move – and suggested her new appointment could be blocked.
The paymaster general said there are four rules or guidance for civil servants that are “pertinent”, including informing the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) of new roles they wish to take up.
“The rules state that approval must be obtained prior to a job offer being announced. The Cabinet Office has not as yet been informed that the relevant notification to ACOBA has been made,” he said.
Mr Quinn said ACOBA could recommend that the appointment would not be appropriate and confirmed there’s a standard three month waiting period for its decision – but said it could take as long as two years.
Read More:
Sue Gray: ‘No reason to believe’ partygate investigator not impartial, minister says
He confirmed the Cabinet Office is “looking into the circumstances leading up to Gray’s resignation” and urged Labour to publish its communications with Ms Gray ahead of her appointment.
‘Conspiracy theory from sleaze-obsessed Tories’
Speaking in the Commons, deputy leader Angela Rayner accused the “sleaze-addicted” Tories of being “so self-obsessed that they are using parliamentary time to indulge in the conspiracy theories of the former prime minister and his gang”.
“What will they ask for next, a Westminster hall debate on the moon landings, the bill of dredging the Loch Ness, or a public inquiry into whether the earth is flat?” she asked.
“This debate says more about the delusions of the modern Conservative Party than it does anything else.”
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Earlier, Sir Keir declined to say when he first contacted her about joining his team when pressed repeatedly, saying only that “it was recent” and after his former chief of staff left in October last year.
But he insisted he had “absolutely no contact” with Ms Gray while she was investigating rule breaches across Downing Street and Whitehall.
In just 50 days, Donald Trump has upended our world. He has ripped up rules, attacked allies and sided with enemies.
A country we thought for decades had our backs is no longer a reliable partner.
We travelled thousands of miles to ask what that means for our lives and millions of others – from the sweltering backstreets of Africa to the frozen wastes of Greenland and Finland’s tense border with Russia.
Donald Trump‘s supporters at home and abroad see him as the disruptor-in-chief who will bring peace and prosperity, putting America first.
But to many others we found he threatens chaos and a far darker future.
While Mr Trump may be challenging convention and bringing fresh thinking, his critics say he is moving too fast and erratically. His first 50 days in office, they claim, have weakened America’s place in the world and that will be exploited by rivals.
Risk of resurgent epidemics in Kenya
We went first to Kenya. The focus in the West may have been on Mr Trump and Russia but in the developing world, it’s the end of US aid that is grabbing the headlines.
On the frontlines of Africa’s war on HIV we heard Mr Trump’s actions being compared to an act of “biological warfare”.
Even among allies and admirers of the American president, there is deep unease and fear about what could come next, most of all the risk of resurgent epidemics of diseases like HIV, TB, malaria, ebola, and polio.
A street in one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi
In one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, we joined health workers on their rounds, down sewage-filled alleyways into cramped, overcrowded buildings.
In a one-room home, we met a young mother who is dependent on American aid. Anne is HIV positive and needs daily medication and nutritional support for both herself and her one-year-old son. She is terrified for their future because of the cut in US aid.
Anne, who is HIV positive, with her young child
An alleyway of one-room homes in Nairobi
“I’m so worried,” she told us, “because if it carries on like this the medication could run out. When the medicine is not there, the protector of my body is not there, so anything can just pass through me.”
‘We had no warning’
Kenya received $850m (£658m) in aid a year and that has now been abruptly severed. A US Supreme Court decision against the Trump administration may restore some of that but there is complete uncertainty about what happens next.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi, spelled out what is at stake: “We had no warning. We could not prepare the households. It was so sudden.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi
“We expect more death. We expect more children to die before the age of five. We expect more death for children living with HIV and it is going to be bad,” Martha said, adding that more than 20,000 children who use her organisation’s services will be affected.
90% of all US aid contracts cut
The Trump administration says the aid has been only been suspended for 90 days pending a review. But in reality, many key programmes appear to have been shut down completely.
After a 45-minute flight west of Nairobi to Kisumu, we saw what is happening away from big cities. The impact seemed just as severe.
At one provincial hospital US Agency for International Development (USAID) signs were everywhere but on doors that are now shut. It had been a hub for patients to receive their treatment but that’s now in doubt.
A health worker delivering medication in Kisumu
Kisumu, Kenya
Staff told us there were just two months of supplies left for some medication, and less than a month for others, because there have been no more deliveries.
Patients were stockpiling drugs, said doctors, panicking for the future.
‘Biological warfare’
The US-supplied ammunition for Africa’s war against HIV, malaria, TB and other diseases is running out. It has taken decades and billions to bring them under control. The fear is of a return to epidemics not seen for years.
A sign thanking the American people in the hospital in Kisumu
Deliveries of medication supplied by USAID in the Kisumu hospital
Eric Okioma is HIV positive and runs a charity helping others with the disease in Kisumu.
“When you look at it from a public health aspect, that’s biological warfare that’s the way I’m seeing it because from a human rights perspective, he did the wrong thing – he should not have taken it abruptly.”
Eric Okioma, who runs a charity helping others HIV in Kisumu
Mr Trump is popular among many in Kenya. His conservative stance on issues like gender and sexuality resonates in this predominantly Christian country.
But even among admirers and supporters there is deep unease about his aid cut.
Peter Gunday, a father and churchgoer, told us he agreed Kenya should be less dependent on US aid and encouraged to provide for itself – but Mr Trump’s action had been too sudden.
“He wants to make America great again… [but give an] olive branch to us even if it is only for some time.”
Peter Gunday, a churchgoer in Kisumu
The aid cut threatens lives and America’s standing in the world. The US has used aid to wield soft power and influence.
Read more:
US aid crisis leaves South Africans living with HIV in turmoil
What is USAID?
America in retreat
Its superpower rival China prefers building. They have lent billions for massive infrastructure projects like the new railway from Nairobi to the coast through the heart of the city’s safari park.
For Beijing it’s all leverage, applied ruthlessly to increase access to Africa’s abundant natural resources.
One of the new Chinese-built roads in Kenya
Under Trump, America is unilaterally deserting that battle for power and influence. Its values and interests will inevitably suffer. Not so much America first but America in retreat.
Finland prepares for Russian aggression
Closer to home, it is America’s shift on security causing the greatest concern. We flew thousands of miles north to one of NATO‘s newest member countries that sits on a border with Russia.
What did people in Finland make of what Mr Trump is doing to the Western alliance they have only just joined?
We filmed with Finland‘s military on the border with Russia that was closed because of the war in Ukraine.
On Finland’s border with Russia
In sparsely populated woods, locals report sightings of Russian drones, we were told. And there has been a surge in recruits to the border guard because of the international situation.
One of them, Aku Jaeske, told us he had joined up “for the defence of our own country”.
Aku Jaeske
He said: “I think most of us, I think, are here because of that. It’s really hard if we have a 1,300 and something kilometre border with Russia – it’s pretty long – we have to have good men there.”
‘Bring it on’, says one Finn
What did he make of Mr Trump and what he saw on the news?
“I think it’s crazy when you turn your TV on today, you can’t know what is really happening.”
The war with Ukraine and Russia’s belligerence has sparked a boom in shooting, with hundreds of new ranges opening up in Finland to meet demand.
In a range outside Helsinki, one shooting enthusiast Jerkri told us what he thought was behind its growing popularity.
![Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because 'people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves'](https://e3.365dm.com/25/03/768x432/skynews-jerkri-finland-shooting_6849200.png?20250307172024)
Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because ‘people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves’
Inside one of Finland’s growing number of shooting ranges
“The situation in Ukraine and people are noticing that maybe [they are] having to take care of themselves… think about it.”
Amateur shooters go through their paces, crisscrossing an open range at speed firing at targets dotted around the room. Patrick said he was worried by the direction of events.
“But if it did come to it… bring it on,” he said.
Patrick says ‘bring it on’ in response to a question on having to use his shooting skills in the future
In a service station, Finland’s most popular tabloid had the headline, “Trump’s 10 gifts to Putin.”
Finns were once a byword for peace-loving neutrality. They are arming up now, and watching Mr Trump’s overtures to the Kremlin warily.
Finland after all is where Mr Trump stood next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term in office and infamously said he would believe him over the word of US spy agencies.
US may be deserting the West
The Finns know from their history a belligerent Russia cannot be trusted.
In Europe, the US is not just withdrawing under Donald Trump, who says the US cannot prioritise the continent’s security any longer. It looks like it may be changing sides deserting the West entirely: Cutting off aid and intelligence to Ukraine while it is pummelled by Russian rockets and drones; branding Ukraine’s leader – and not the tyrant of Moscow – a dictator; attacking close allies with tariffs; resetting relations with Russia while it continues to invade a part of Europe.
‘Trump is ridiculous’, Greenlanders say
And threatening to take over its neighbours. Our journey ended in Greenland, top of the list of Mr Trump’s planned acquisitions.
Most people we spoke to were genuinely worried by him.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
Students Aviana and Julie told us Mr Trump’s antics were alarming.
“That’s very scary actually – it seems he’s more with Russia than Ukraine. I’m really scared.”
Students Aviana and Julie said they were scared by Trump’s actions
Another passerby said Mr Trump had no right to make a play for their homeland. They said: “I think it’s ridiculous that he thinks he can just take our land. We don’t have the resources to fight against the USA.”
Jurgen Boassen has become a well-known figure for having opposing views – he is outspokenly pro-Trump.
Jurgen Boassen, who is pro-Trump and is paid by MAGA groups to promote ‘cultural ties’ between Greenland and the US
“I think he is a great man who wants to have peace in the world,” he told us.
‘Europe is failing’
He admits he is paid by MAGA groups in America to promote “cultural ties” and believes Greenland will gradually come around to the idea of becoming closer to America.
Ice caps in Greenland
“I don’t care because they will realise I’m doing the good thing for Greenland. Europe is failing, Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Holland even Germany,” he said.
Wherever we travelled people seemed in shock. America used to believe helping others was good for America – keeping the peace in Europe, saving lives, or protecting the sovereignty of neighbours.
Read more:
Why does Trump want Greenland?
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining US, poll finds
The fear is under President Trump it is just out for itself. The idea Mr Trump could carve up the world into spheres of influence with other authoritarian leaders seems plausible. If that is the case, lesser nations like Greenland may have plenty to fear.
From what we were told on our journey, Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy risks the lives of millions, the security and sovereignty of allies, and America’s own place in the world while potentially strengthening its enemies.
World
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney named prime minister of Canada – succeeding Justin Trudeau
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been named Canadian prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership race in a landslide victory.
Mr Carney, who also used to be the head of Canada’s central bank, emerged as the frontrunner in the contest as the country deals with the impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
He ended up winning 85.9% of the vote.
During his victory speech, he told the crowd: “Donald Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell and how we make a living.
“He’s attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won’t.”
Mr Carney said Canada would keep retaliatory tariffs in place until “the Americans show us respect”.
Mr Trump’s tariffs against Canada and his talk of making the country America’s 51st state have infuriated Canadians.
The American national anthem has been repeatedly booed at NHL and NBA games.
“Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life… America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic,” Mr Carney added.
“America is not Canada. Canada will never ever be part of America in any way, shape or form.”
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‘You can’t take our country or our game’
The 59-year-old will replace Justin Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015.
Mr Trudeau announced he was stepping down in January after facing calls to quit from a chorus of his own MPs.
The 53-year-old’s popularity had declined as food and house prices rose.
Mr Carney will now have to decide when to call a general election in Canada – which must take place on or before 20 October.
In 2013, he became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694.
His appointment was popular in Britain after Canada recovered from the 2008 financial crisis faster than many other countries.
Read more:
Trudeau steps down with his popularity in shreds
Canadian PM criticises Trump over tariffs
During leadership debates, Mr Carney argued he was the only person prepared to handle Trump.
“I know how to manage crises,” he said.
“In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills.”
The surge in Canadian nationalism has bolstered the Liberal Party’s chances in a parliamentary election.
US President Donald Trump has suggested Ukraine “may not survive” the war against Russia even if American support continued.
In an interview with Fox News channel’s ‘Sunday Morning Futures’, Mr Trump was asked about his controversial decision to pause support for Kyiv as it fends off Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Mr Trump, who had a disastrous meeting with Mr Zelenskyy at the White House last week, was asked about a warning from Polish President Andrzej Duda “that without American support, Ukraine will not survive”.
Asked if he was “comfortable” with that outcome, the US president said: “Well, it may not survive anyway.
“But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two,” Mr Trump added.
Donald Trump. File Pic: Reuters
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It comes as Mr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia for a Monday meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will meet with a US delegation on Tuesday.
Mr Trump’s latest remarks come amid global concern over the souring relationship between Ukraine and the US, which alongside the EU has been Kyiv’s main backer in its defence against Russia’s three-year land, air and sea invasion.
The US paused military aid and the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine this month after a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy on 28 February descended into acrimony in front of the world’s media.
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Mr Trump ordered the pause as he attempts to put pressure on Mr Zelenskyy to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Russia.
Mr Trump has privately made it clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv will not be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported earlier on Sunday.
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How are Americans feeling after nearly 50 days of Trump?
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The 78-year-old president is said to want the deal signed, but also wants to see a change in Mr Zelenskyy’s attitude towards peace talks.
Officials have told NBC News that Mr Trump also wants Mr Zelenskyy to make some movement towards holding elections in Ukraine and possibly stepping down as his country’s leader.
Mr Zelenskyy said in a recent interview he would be ready to step down as Ukraine’s president if it meant his country would become a NATO member and find peace.
That came after he was branded a “dictator” by Mr Trump as Ukraine had not held fresh elections – despite laws prohibiting it during wartime.
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