Labour Peer Suspended Over Link to Convicted Sex Offender

Lord Matthew Doyle, who worked for Keir Starmer, has been suspended by the Labour Party. This is because he was linked to Sean Morton, a former councillor found guilty of sex offenses. Lord Doyle has apologized for his past connection.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, Labour Party |

A Lord Matthew Doyle, formerly a key communications advisor to Sir Keir Starmer, has been suspended from the Labour Party following his acknowledged past association with Sean Morton, a former councillor and convicted sex offender. Lord Doyle has issued an apology for his connection to Morton, stating that Morton's crimes were "vile" and his only concern is for the victims. This development brings renewed scrutiny to the vetting processes within the party and raises questions about appointments to public office.

Starmer's ex comms chief and Lord quits Labour as he apologises for association with paedophile councillor - 1

Events Unfolding

Lord Matthew Doyle, who previously held the position of communications chief for Sir Keir Starmer and served in Downing Street until March of last year, has faced suspension from the Labour Party. This action stems from his past ties to Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor who has since been convicted of sex offenses.

Read More: Minister Asks to Stop New Top Job Choice Until Old Files Are Out

Starmer's ex comms chief and Lord quits Labour as he apologises for association with paedophile councillor - 2

  • Lord Doyle's connection to Morton reportedly includes accompanying him to an election count.

  • Morton later changed his plea in court to guilty.

  • Doyle was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Doyle of Great Barford in January.

  • He has since had the Labour whip removed and will sit as an independent in the House of Lords.

  • Doyle has offered an apology for his past association with Morton.

Acknowledging Past Connections

Lord Doyle has formally apologized for his past association with Sean Morton. In a statement, Doyle described Morton's crimes as "vile" and affirmed that his "only concerns are for his victims." He further stated, "They are clearly abhorrent and I have never questioned his conviction."

Starmer's ex comms chief and Lord quits Labour as he apologises for association with paedophile councillor - 3

Scrutiny of Appointments

The circumstances surrounding Lord Doyle's elevation to the House of Lords have drawn attention. Reports suggest that Sir Keir Starmer was aware of the continued friendship between Doyle and Morton even after Morton faced charges. This has prompted calls, including from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, for explanations regarding the checks undertaken before Doyle's peerage was granted. The timing of these revelations has also coincided with recent departures of other key aides from Starmer's team, Tim Allan (director of communications) and Morgan McSweeny (chief of staff), over a separate controversy involving Peter Mandelson and his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Read More: Labour Leader Starmer Faces Questions on Peerage and Leadership

Starmer's ex comms chief and Lord quits Labour as he apologises for association with paedophile councillor - 4

Impact on Labour

This incident represents a notable setback for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, occurring as they navigate broader political discussions. The party is also reportedly dealing with figures such as Andy Burnham, who is understood to be backing the Prime Minister on issues related to the cost of living.

Timeline of Key Events

EventApproximate Timing
Lord Matthew Doyle served as Starmer's Head of CommunicationsUntil March last year
Sean Morton convicted of sex offensesAfter March last year
Lord Matthew Doyle elevated to the House of Lords (Baron Doyle of Great Barford)January (this year)
Lord Doyle apologizes for association with Sean MortonRecently
Lord Doyle suspended from Labour Party / Labour whip removedRecently

Analysis and Observations

The situation involving Lord Doyle highlights a recurring challenge for political parties in ensuring due diligence regarding individuals holding significant positions or being appointed to public bodies. The acknowledged past association with a convicted individual, coupled with the timing of his ennoblement, raises pertinent questions about the robustness of the vetting procedures employed.

Read More: Minister and Mayor Disagree with Businessman on Immigration

  • Vetting Procedures: The case prompts an inquiry into the depth and scope of background checks conducted for individuals proposed for peerages or influential party roles.

  • Public Trust: Such events can erode public confidence in the judgment and oversight capabilities of political leadership.

  • Party Discipline: The suspension and removal of the whip signify a formal response by the Labour Party to address the gravity of the situation.

Conclusion

The suspension of Lord Matthew Doyle from the Labour Party and the removal of his whip are direct consequences of his past association with Sean Morton, a convicted sex offender. Lord Doyle's apology acknowledges the "vile" nature of Morton's crimes and expresses concern for the victims. The circumstances surrounding Doyle's appointment to the House of Lords, particularly in light of Starmer's reported awareness of the ongoing relationship, are subject to ongoing scrutiny. This situation adds to a complex period for the Labour Party, as it contends with issues of vetting and public perception.

Sources:

  • LBC: Starmer's former comms chief Lord Doyle suspended from Labour Party over links to paedophile councillor

  • Link: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/starmers-former-comms-chief-apologises-links-paedophile-councillor-5HjdS9p_2/

  • Published: Recently (approx. 54 minutes ago)

  • Express: Keir Starmer's disgraced ex-comms guru suspended from Labour over 'mistakes'

  • Link: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2169223/keir-starmers-disgraced-ex-comms

  • Published: Recently (approx. 1 hour ago)

  • The Sun: New blow for Starmer as Labour lord axed over links to paedo ex-councillor

  • Link: https://www.the-sun.com/news/15920422/labour-lord-suspended-over-paedo-scandal/

  • Published: ~18 hours ago

  • inkl: Starmer's ex comms chief and Lord quits Labour as he apologises for association with paedophile councillor

  • Link: https://www.inkl.com/news/starmer-s-ex-comms-chief-who-was-made-lord-apologises-for-association-with-paedophile-councillor

  • Published: ~18 hours ago

  • HuffPost: Labour Suspends Peer And Former Starmer Spin Doctor Over Links To Paedophile

  • Link: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour-suspends-peer-and-former-starmer-spin-doctor-over-links-to-sex-offender_uk_698b61dce4b016e9e7ef6078?origin=home-politics-grid-unit

  • Published: Recently (approx. 25 minutes ago)

  • The Guardian: Starmer says he ‘will never walk away’ as Burnham joins Labour figures backing PM – UK politics live

  • Link: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/feb/10/keir-starmer-labour-leadership-uk-live-updates-politics-cabinet-latest-news

  • Published: ~8 hours ago

  • The Independent: Starmer faces new crisis as paedophile-linked former comms chief suspended by Labour

  • Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matthew-doyle-quits-labour-starmer-b2917646.html

  • Published: Recently (approx. 46 minutes ago)

Read More: Keir Starmer Says He Will Not Quit as Labour Leader

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Lord Matthew Doyle suspended?
He was suspended because he had past ties to Sean Morton, a former councillor who has been found guilty of sex offenses. Lord Doyle has apologized for this connection.
Q: What was Lord Doyle's role?
Lord Doyle used to be a main helper for communications for Sir Keir Starmer. He was also made a Lord recently.
Q: What does this mean for the Labour Party?
This situation brings up questions about how the party checks people before giving them important roles or making them Lords. It is seen as a problem for the party.