Sue Gray could face official reprimand next week over her talks with Sir Keir Starmer as investigation into her defection to Labour reaches ‘concluding stages’

• Whitehall sources told the Mail a Cabinet Office probe is in ‘concluding stages’
• It is set to rule her talks on becoming Keir Starmer’s chief of staff breached rules

Sue Gray is facing the prospect of an official reprimand next week over her talks with Sir Keir Starmer.

Whitehall sources said a Cabinet Office probe into the ex-mandarin’s defection to Labour is in its ‘concluding stages’, with publication as soon as next week.

It is set to rule her talks on becoming the Labour leader’s chief of staff breached civil service guidelines.

Ministers believe the departure of Ms Gray, right, who led the Partygate inquiry into No 10 lockdown gatherings, broke rules. 

Senior civil servants need clearance before talking to the Opposition, and must declare meetings that may create a perceived conflict of interest.

Sue Gray is facing the prospect of an official reprimand next week over her talks with Sir Keir Starmer

They are also supposed to consult the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments before taking an outside job. 

‘She didn’t do any of that,’ said a source. Sir Keir and Ms Gray have refused to say when they first had talks. 

The inquiry is not set to carry a sanction. Sir Keir’s spokesman said he is determined to press ahead with the appointment.

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