What was the outcome of the inquiry into Sue Gray?

The Cabinet Office has finally concluded its investigation into the author of the Partygate report. Sean O’Grady looks at the implications for the former top civil servant, soon to be chief of staff to Keir Starmer

By this time next year, perhaps, she will be helping to run the country (gov.uk/PA)

A Cabinet Office inquiry into the circumstances surrounding senior civil servant Sue Gray’s appointment as chief of staff to Keir Starmer has now concluded. The Cabinet Office minister, Jeremy Quin, a relatively junior figure, issued a low-key written statement to parliament reflecting the status of this report, which is essentially a footnote to history. It suggested that Gray had broken the ministerial code by talking to Starmer without the permission or knowledge of her civil service seniors.

A government source said that Gray would have faced “serious disciplinary sanctions” if she was still working in Whitehall. But she isn’t, and given she has now left the government, there will be no further action. By this time next year, perhaps, she will be helping to run the country.

What did the inquiry find?