The prime minister has insisted he is “completely in control” after the BBC revealed a row within government over staff pay. It has emerged Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, received a pay rise which means she is now on a higher salary than him.

Sir Keir insisted his team were focused on delivering Labour’s mandate, rather than a row over the top aide’s pay.

The BBC said a number of sources briefed it on Sue Gray’s salary increase, meaning she earns about £3,000 (€3,570) more than Starmer.