Party officials accuse aide of heavy-handed tactics in leak investigation

Labour Party staff were left distraught after Sue Gray conducted a rigorous leak inquiry into the party’s £28 billion U-turn, with accusations of heavy-handed tactics emerging.

Gray, a top aide to Sir Keir Starmer, reportedly inspected phones and conducted interviews without union representatives present, prompting some to file complaints alleging a violation of due process.

Gray’s inquiry aimed to identify the source of press stories suggesting Labour would abandon its pledge to invest £28 billion annually in green projects, a move that threw the party into turmoil.

Labour officials were reportedly reduced to tears by the nature of the investigation, which some felt was overly aggressive. While no formal complaint has been raised, informal concerns have been expressed.

Gray, known for leading the Partygate probe as a senior civil servant, has faced criticism for her approach in this latest investigation. Labour maintains that no phones were confiscated, although some individuals voluntarily surrendered theirs.

The incident has underscored tensions within the party, raising questions about transparency and due process in internal inquiries.