Sue Gray's challenges highlight the inner workings of Number 10, but she should not become the focal point of the narrative. Advisers to prime ministers frequently find themselves the targets of criticism, but being in the spotlight is not a sustainable position for Keir Starmer’s chief of staff. Despite not attending the Labour conference in Liverpool, Gray was the subject of considerable discussion. This raises questions about her future and whether she is merely a victim of circumstance. The consensus on Gray is well-known: she is seen by some as a vital source of civil service professionalism, while others view her as a controlling figure who hampers decision-making. Regardless of the perspective, she has been the target of extensive media briefings, often with a negative slant. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial that Gray does not become the story herself.