Downing Street was not aware that Keir Starmer's longstanding communications chief had campaigned for a paedophile when his peerage was announced, a minister has stated. This revelation has overshadowed government efforts and intensified scrutiny on Starmer's appointments.
Minister Confirms Lack of Prior Knowledge
Schools Minister Georgia Gould told Sky News that No 10 did not know before the decision to grant Matthew Doyle a peerage. Doyle, who stepped down as the No 10 head of communications last March, was suspended from the Labour whip in the Lords on Monday after reports emerged of his support for Sean Morton, a friend charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Timeline of Events and Investigations
Gould clarified that the peerage announcement was made on 10 December, while a Sunday Times story on 27 December reported that Downing Street had investigated Doyle's continued support for Morton after the charges in 2016. According to the paper, Doyle insisted Morton was innocent and campaigned for him in Scotland, wearing a top with the slogan "Re-elect Sean Morton."
It is understood that Starmer wanted the issue re-examined after these reports, with Downing Street asserting they were unaware of Doyle's campaigning before the peerage. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour suspended MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy's party whip following disclosures about her friendship with Morton.
Apology and Condemnation
In a statement, Doyle said: "I want to apologise for my past association with Sean Morton. His offences were vile and I completely condemn the actions for which he was rightly convicted. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by these crimes."
Calls for Reform and Ongoing Pressure
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley expressed her personal view that Doyle's peerage should be revoked. However, Gould declined to echo these calls, citing an ongoing party investigation and emphasizing the prime minister's commitment to high standards in public life. She noted that the vetting process for Lords appointments must change in light of this incident.
This scandal has diverted attention from a multibillion-pound announcement on special educational needs support and added to pressure on Starmer regarding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, given Mandelson's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
