Kamala Harris's chief of staff becomes latest to leave her team

Tina Flournoy is the highest-profile departure as vice president's approval rating dips

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Kamala Harris’s chief of staff is leaving the Old Executive Offices, a White House official said, in the latest shake-up of the vice president’s senior staff.

Tina Flournoy, who served as chief of staff since Ms Harris was sworn in, is the highest-ranking aide to leave amid a stream of departures.

Deputy chief of staff Michael Fuchs announced his departure from the team this month. Other officials to have left include national security adviser Nancy McEldowney and communications director Ashley Etienne. Chief spokeswoman Symone Sanders left in December after signing a deal with MSNBC.

Media reports have detailed discontent within the team during Ms Flournoy’s tenure.

Aides for Ms Harris said the departures were routine, The Washington Post reported.

In a statement, Ms Harris hailed Ms Flournoy as a “valued adviser and confidant to me and tremendous leader for the office".

“From day one, she led our team during a historic first year as we made progress rebuilding our economy here at home and our alliances around the world,” Ms Harris said.

“Tina is the consummate public servant and I will continue to rely on her advice, counsel and friendship.”

Ms Flournoy's exit comes amid a slump in Ms Harris's approval ratings. The vice president's average rating has dipped below 40 per cent, according to data compiled by RealClearPolitics.

Replacing Ms Flournoy will be senior adviser Lorraine Voles, who previously served as communications director for former vice president Al Gore and as an adviser during Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.

Ms Voles was brought on to the vice president's team in the summer, The Washington Post reported.

Agencies contributed to this report

Updated: April 22, 2022, 6:06 PM