Labour Suspends Lord Docherty Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Labour has suspended one of its recently appointed peers, Lord Joe Docherty, and removed the party whip pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour. The controversy stems from his previous role as chief executive of NCG, formerly Newcastle College Group, which was the largest sixth-form and further education group in the country at the time.
Allegations of Misconduct During Ofsted Inspection
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. He resigned from his position at NCG in October 2018 after being confronted with these allegations, which included claims that he conducted sexual liaisons while at work. In one specific instance, he is alleged to have engaged in a sexual encounter while he was supposed to be attending a meeting.
Vetting Process and Party Response
Lord Docherty was introduced to the House of Lords just last month after being nominated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Reports indicate that he did not disclose his resignation from NCG during the vetting process for his appointment to the Lords. Labour administratively suspended him on Saturday, stating that the party expects the highest standards from its members and that all complaints are thoroughly assessed in line with rules and procedures.
Lord Docherty's Defence
In a statement to the Sunday Times, Lord Docherty disputed the allegations, claiming they would have been challenged had the matter proceeded to a disciplinary hearing. He accused the investigator of bias and criticised the leaking of a confidential internal HR report, 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. However, I am also entitled to a private life."
Broader Context of Labour Peer Appointments
This incident is part of a series of controversies surrounding Sir Keir Starmer's recent peer appointments. In a separate development, Baroness Ann Limb, another new peer, announced she will not take up her seat in the Lords amid claims about her time chairing the City & Guilds charity. The Charity Commission has reportedly opened an investigation into the sale of the charity's assets, which saw two executives receive bonuses exceeding £1 million. Baroness Limb, who previously admitted lying about holding a PhD, stated she will delay taking her seat until matters are resolved.
Previous Controversy Involving Lord Doyle
Additionally, former Downing Street communications chief Matthew Doyle, appointed as a peer in December 2025 alongside Lord Docherty and Baroness Limb, lost the Labour whip on February 10. This followed reports that he campaigned for a council candidate, Sean Morton, who was later charged with and admitted to possessing indecent images of children. Lord Doyle has since apologised for his association with Morton, while Sir Keir Starmer claimed Doyle had not provided a full account of his links with the councillor.
The suspension of Lord Docherty highlights ongoing scrutiny of Labour's vetting processes and the conduct of its members in high-profile positions, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the party.
