Keir Starmer braces for civil service verdict on Sue Gray recruitment

Keir Starmer insisted Sue Gray did not break civil service rules today as he awaits the verdict on recruiting her as his new chief of staff.

The Labour leader said he is 'confident' that the proper process was followed over the mandarin's prospective move into politics.

He stressed that there were no contacts between the party and Ms Gray while she was conducting the Partygate probe into Boris Johnson's Downing Street.

However, Tories have warned Sir Keir has 'serious questions to answer', with calls for the appointments watchdog to impose a long cooling off period before she can take up the new post.

The Labour offer to Ms Gray has triggered a huge row over the neutrality of the civil service and infuriated Mr Johnson's supporters.