Labour has suspended one of its recently appointed peers, Lord Joe Docherty, following revelations about his resignation from a sixth-form college group over allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The administrative suspension, announced on Saturday, means Lord Docherty has also lost the Labour whip pending a thorough investigation.
Allegations of Misconduct During Ofsted Inspection
Lord Docherty, who was introduced to the House of Lords on January 19, resigned as chief executive of NCG (formerly Newcastle College Group) in October 2018 after being confronted with allegations that he had conducted sexual liaisons while at work. According to investigations by the Sunday Times and FE Week, Lord Docherty exchanged multiple sexual messages during an Ofsted inspection and used hotels paid for by NCG to meet partners during work hours.
In one particularly concerning instance, he is alleged to have engaged in a sexual liaison while he was supposed to be attending a meeting. At the time of these incidents, NCG was the country's largest sixth form and further education group, adding significant gravity to the allegations against its former chief executive.
Vetting Process Under Scrutiny
It has been reported that Lord Docherty did not mention his resignation from NCG while undergoing vetting for his appointment to the House of Lords. This omission raises serious questions about the thoroughness of the vetting process for political appointments to the upper chamber.
In a statement to the Sunday Times, Lord Docherty said the allegations had been "robustly disputed" and would have been challenged had the matter proceeded to a disciplinary hearing. He also accused the person who investigated the allegations of bias, stating: "I fully accept that whether as a member of the House of Lords or as a senior executive, accountability is paramount and I welcome legitimate scrutiny."
Lord Docherty added: "However, I am also entitled to a private life. The apparent leaking of a version of a confidential internal HR report and The Sunday Times's reliance upon such a document is disgraceful."
Labour's Response and Standards
A Labour spokesperson responded to the situation by stating: "The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our members. All complaints are thoroughly assessed in line with our rules and procedures." This statement underscores the party's commitment to maintaining ethical standards among its representatives, particularly those appointed to the House of Lords.
Second Peer Declines Lords Seat
In a separate but related development, another of Sir Keir Starmer's new peers, Baroness Ann Limb, has announced she will not take up her seat in the Lords amid claims about her time chairing the City & Guilds charity. Baroness Limb, who previously admitted lying about holding a PhD, oversaw the sale of the charity's assets that resulted in two executives receiving bonuses exceeding £1 million.
The Sunday Times reported that the Charity Commission has opened an investigation into the sale. Baroness Limb stated: "I will not be taking my seat in the Lords until matters relating to my previous voluntary roles are resolved."
Pattern of Controversial Appointments
Both Lord Docherty and Baroness Limb were made peers in December 2025 alongside another controversial appointment, former Downing Street communications chief Matthew Doyle. Lord Doyle lost the Labour whip on February 10, more than a month after it was reported he had campaigned for a council candidate who had been charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Lord Doyle has since apologised for his association with Sean Morton, who later admitted the offence. Sir Keir Starmer claimed Lord Doyle had not provided "a full account" of his links with the paedophile councillor, further highlighting concerns about the vetting and accountability processes for political appointments.
These consecutive controversies involving newly appointed Labour peers have raised significant questions about the party's appointment procedures and the standards expected of those representing Labour in the House of Lords. The administrative suspension of Lord Docherty represents the Labour Party's immediate response to these allegations, but the broader implications for political appointments and accountability continue to unfold.
