Labour Insists McSweeney Not Involved in Devolution After ‘Battle for Influence’ With Rayner – Guido Fawkes

Labour Insists McSweeney Not Involved in Devolution After ‘Battle for Influence’ With Rayner

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Back in October after Rayner’s ally Sue Ann Gray, Baroness Gray of Tottenham was removed from post it was reported that a “battle for influence” over devolution plans had broken out between Morgan McSweeney and the DPM. McSweeney, known as ‘the McIavelli’, was said to be hosting monthly calls with mayors at which Rayner was not present…

Tory peer Lord Jamieson asked for an update on that in a written question, asking what the McIavelli’s involvement is with combined authority mayors,  council mayors, or council leaders. To a curt reply from Labour:

“Discussions on new devolution agreements or unlocking further powers for existing combined authorities are led by the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution on behalf of the Government. There is no role for the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff in these negotiations.“

It is said in SW1 that “Morgan always wins.“ Rayner may be wishing for an actual DPM office to shore herself up for this war…