By Brendan Carlin Political Correspondent Published: 18:36 EDT, 7 September 2024 | Updated: 19:13 EDT, 7 September 2024

She is the one of the most powerful ­figures in the new Labour Government – but it turns out there are limits to even Sue Gray’s authority… for a few more weeks at least.It emerged last night that as a ‘special adviser’, Ms Gray, the new Prime ­Minister’s Chief of Staff, is still in ­the probation period for her role.And the former top civil servant – who is allegedly locked in a power struggle with fellow No 10 aide Morgan McSweeney – will have to wait until the middle of November before her post is ­formally confirmed.The terms emerged after ex-Cabinet Minister John Glen used a Commons question to establish Ms Gray’s terms of employment.In reply, Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould referred him to ‘paragraph 6 of the Model Contract for Special Advisers (Probation)’.  It emerged last night that as a ‘special adviser’, Sue Gray, the new Prime ­Minister’s Chief of Staff, is still in ­the probation period for her role The former top civil servant is allegedly locked in a power struggle with fellow No 10 aide Morgan McSweeney (pictured)That document states that ‘the first four months of your appointment will be a probationary period’.It adds: ‘Your appointment will be confirmed at the end of this period provided that you have shown you can meet the required standards of your role, and your conduct and attendance have been satisfactory.’During the probationary period, your performance and suitability for continued employment will be monitored.’Your appointment may be ­terminated at any time during the probationary period, with five weeks’ notice.’If you do not meet the required standards, your appointment will normally be terminated.’Last night, Downing Street declined to comment on Ms Gray’s employment terms.But Number 10 sources pointed out that the probationary terms were standard for special advisers in general – not particular to Ms Gray. However, Mr Glen joked: ‘Given how many rows Sue Gray is already alleged to be involved in, it beggars belief what she will get up to when her probationary period is over.’

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Revealed: No10 Chief of Staff Sue Gray is still in the probationary period for her advisory role