Richard Madeley claims ‘Starmer must have known’ in chaotic GMB interview

Richard Madeley quizzes Keir Starmer on GMB

Richard Madeley left Sir Keir Starmer floundering on Monday when he claimed he “must have known” about Sue Grey’s impartiality breach.

After being grilled on the upcoming vote by MPs over whether former PM Boris Johnson misled Parliament over lockdown parties, Madeley interjected Starmer to move on to the Gray inquiry.

“You’ve made that clear, Sir Keir,” he said, speaking over his guest.

“We’ve got a couple more things we want to talk to you about.

The top civil servant allegedly broke Whitehall rules by holding talks about becoming Starmer’s chief of staff and could have been sacked had she not quit in March.

“I’m sure you’ll be aware that an official Cabinet Office inquiry has found that Sue Gray, who you want to be your chief of staff, broke Whitehall impartiality rules when she spoke to you about becoming your chief of staff when she was still working as a Civil Servant.”

Madeley looked at Starmer pointedly as he went on to claim: “You must have known!

“When you were engaged in conversations with her about this job, that there was an impartiality problem, you must have known.”

Starmer was silent for a few seconds before he admitted: “Look, I don’t know anything about this Cabinet Office inquiry.

Don’t miss…
Ben Shephard forced to bring GMB to a close as Dr Shola rows with guest[INTERVIEW]
Ben Shephard fumes at Just Stop Oil protestor in heated climate clash[VIDEO]
Good Morning Britain crew forced to step in as interview thrown into chaos[BLUNDER]

“Nobody asked me, or, as far as I know, Sue, any questions in relation to it.

“So, I don’t know where that’s come from, I don’t know who wrote it.

“I haven’t seen it, I haven’t been asked to contribute towards it.”

The report, released by The Sunday Telegraph, reads: “Sue Gray’s contract, as with all permanent secretary contracts, was clear on the conduct expected of her, including with regard to declaring any conflicts as they arose.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“The civil service code outlines the requirement on all civil servants to conduct themselves with integrity, openness, and impartiality.

“During the period in question, it is my view that Sue Gray fell short of these expectations and as a result acted in breach of the civil service code as well as her contractual obligations.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.

Source: Read Full Article