Matthew Torbitt, a prominent political commentator and regular pundit on GB News, has been charged with two counts of fraud by false representation relating to travel and expense claims made during his time as a Labour adviser, the Guardian can reveal.
Charges and Allegations
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Torbitt, 35, is accused of obtaining free rail tickets between August 2022 and September 2024 by booking them through the parliamentary travel system for trips not related to parliamentary business. It is also alleged that on 2 October 2024, he submitted a claim for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses that were not for parliamentary purposes. Expenses for MPs' staff are ultimately funded by taxpayers.
The Metropolitan Police stated that Torbitt was charged by post on 9 June, following an investigation that began in April last year after a report that a member of staff working for an MP had allegedly made unauthorised purchases through a travel booking system.
Background and Career
According to his LinkedIn profile, Torbitt was invited to shadow Andy Burnham at Westminster in 2014 when Burnham was serving as shadow health secretary. Torbitt said the internship was arranged after he impressed Burnham while filming for a documentary. Torbitt remains a vocal supporter of Burnham, who is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister next month, although he has no official role in his team.
Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Torbitt came to political attention by sharing his experiences of homelessness. He was made a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK last year. On his website, he is described as Britain's “favourite lefty” and one of the country's “most popular social commentators”. He has appeared on GB News, BBC Newsnight, Sky News, and TalkTV.
Court Appearance
Torbitt, who now lives in Didcot, Oxfordshire, will appear at Thames Magistrates Court in connection with both charges on 27 July.
