Sue Gray ‘honoured’ to be appointed chairwoman of USPCA
Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Sue Gray has been appointed as chairwoman of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).
Baroness Gray, who quit as chief of staff in 2024 after weeks of reports of infighting in Number 10, said she was “honoured” to be taking on the role and that the USPCA plays a “vital” role in protecting animals.
The former senior civil servant, who became a household name when she led the probe into the “partygate” controversy at Number 10 during Boris Johnson’s tenure, left Whitehall to join Labour as Sir Keir’s chief of staff.
After scrutiny of her new role mounted over her pay level and reports of a power struggle in Downing Street between her and other aides, she resigned citing concerns she was “becoming a distraction” to the work of the UK Government.
Baroness Gray takes over the USPCA role from Dr John Farrell, who was in the role for eight years.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the USPCA,” Baroness Gray said.
“The organisation plays a vital role in protecting animals and supporting communities across Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to working with USPCA colleagues, volunteers and partners to build on its strong foundations, and drive forward our mission to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering.”
The charity also announced new board members Paul Crawford, an experienced veterinarian, academic and sheep farmer; Bernard Grimley, a financial expert with 30 years’ experience and Lyle Watters a former senior executive at Ford Motor Company with almost 40 years of board-level experience across global markets.
USPCA chief executive Heather Weir said: “I welcome the appointment of Sue as our new chair and know she will bring a wealth of experience and insight as we grow the charity into the future.
“I want to pay tribute to outgoing chair Dr John Farrell, who was chair of the USPCA for the last eight years.
“His leadership and dedication are boundless, and his commitment and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation to where we are today.
“I also want to welcome new board members Paul, Bernard and Lyle who will add even further rich expertise, leadership and experience to the work of the USPCA.”
Dr Farrell said it had been “an immense privilege” to serve as chairman of the USPCA.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in advancing animal welfare across Northern Ireland.
“I am delighted to welcome Sue Gray as my successor: her experience, integrity and passion will be invaluable as the charity enters its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting the USPCA’s work in the years ahead.”