No 10
‘did not know’ of aide’s links to paedophile when he was given peerage
In
February 2026, Downing Street claimed it was unaware that Matthew Doyle, a
former senior aide to Sir Keir Starmer, had campaigned for a convicted
paedophile when his peerage was announced.
The
Individual: Matthew Doyle, the former Downing Street Director of
Communications, was granted a life peerage in December 2025.
The
Controversy: It emerged that Doyle had campaigned for former Labour councillor
Sean Morton in 2017. At the time, Morton had already been charged with
possessing indecent images of children. Morton was subsequently convicted in
2018 and jailed again in 2025 for further offences.
Government
Stance: Schools Minister Georgia Gould stated on February 11, 2026, that No 10
did not know of these links before the peerage announcement on December 10,
despite reports suggesting the association was flagged to senior staff
previously.
Repercussions:
Labour
Whip Removed: Doyle had the Labour whip withdrawn on February 10, 2026.
Apology:
Doyle issued an "unreserved" apology, describing his support for
Morton as a "clear error of judgment".
Calls for
Resignation: Labour Party Chair Anna Turley and opposition leaders have called
for Doyle to be stripped of his peerage, citing a lack of transparency during
the vetting process.
Vetting
Review: The Prime Minister has reportedly looked at the appointment
"afresh" and committed to strengthening vetting standards for public
life.
This
scandal has added to existing pressure on Sir Keir Starmer following the
controversial (and later rescinded) appointment of Lord Mandelson as US
ambassador
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