Sue Gray will take up Labour role no matter how long the delay, says party

Labour leader's spokesperson says Gray will become chief of staff even if watchdog recommends long delay to start date

The former senior civil servant Sue Gray will take up her new role as Keir Starmer's chief of staff even if the government's appointments watchdog recommends a long delay to her start date, Labour has said.

Labour insiders believe the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) will suggest that Gray should wait for a significantly shorter period than the maximum two years it could recommend for senior officials taking up a job outside government.