Sue Gray joins Queen’s University governing body as one of four new senate members, her first significant appointment since leaving Downing Street. The former Partygate investigator and ex-chief of staff to Keir Starmer will serve as unpaid pro-chancellor at Northern Ireland’s leading university.
Gray resigned as Starmer’s top aide in October 2024 following disputes over her salary and donations. Her new position at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) involves overseeing strategy, finances, and ceremonial duties like graduations.
Before her turbulent stint in Starmer’s office, Gray built a formidable Whitehall reputation once dubbed “the most powerful civil servant you’ve never heard of.” Her 2022 Partygate report proved instrumental in Boris Johnson’s resignation, creating controversy when she later joined Labour.
QUB Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer praised the appointments, noting pro-chancellors’ “crucial role in upholding the highest standards.” The university’s chancellor remains Hillary Clinton, appointed in 2020.
Sue Gray joins Queen’s University governing body after abandoning plans to become the government’s nations and regions envoy. Her move from civil service to partisan politics drew Conservative criticism, particularly after her damning Partygate findings.
Since leaving government, Gray has chaired a business consultancy board and entered the House of Lords. The unpaid QUB role marks a return to her Northern Ireland roots, where she previously worked in Stormont’s civil service.
Gray’s appointment brings Westminster experience to QUB’s leadership at a time of funding challenges across UK higher education. As pro-chancellor, she’ll help guide the institution alongside Clinton and other senior figures.
The move continues Gray’s pattern of influential but low-profile roles following her departure from frontline politics. It also represents something of a homecoming – Gray studied at the University of Ulster before her decades-long Whitehall career.
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