Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's former Chief of Staff, has said he lacked the "clear" vision Andy Burnham possesses for the country.
In an interview on the Political Currency podcast, Gray spoke of Burnham having a "very clear view of what he wants to do", something Starmer failed set out in his first months in office.
She also discussed, The Times reports, her "sadness" at having to resign from Downing Street.
She refuted claims that she had been responsible for failing to draw up a plan for Starmer's first 100 days in government and cited "friction" with the PM's political aides.
Asked directly if she was responsible for Labour’s collapse in popularity and infighting in 2024, Gray replied: “I think, ultimately, you have a leader of the party, you have a prime minister, leader of the opposition. You have to set your vision, your agenda. That is definitely what everybody is looking for.”
She added: “You need leadership, vision, and I think that will have been very difficult in these times.”
She said that, in contrast, Burnham had "come in with a very clear view of what he wants to do".