PM Accuses Lord Doyle of Withholding Full Account in Peerage Scandal
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that his former communications chief, Lord Matthew Doyle, did not provide a full account of his connections to a paedophile councillor when appointed to the House of Lords. This revelation comes amid a growing political row over the peerage, with Downing Street insisting it was unaware of Lord Doyle's campaigning for Sean Morton in 2017, after Morton had been charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Downing Street Declines to Strip Peerage
Number 10 has refused to commit to removing Lord Doyle's peerage, arguing that such action could prejudice an ongoing Labour investigation into the appointment. A spokesman for the Prime Minister emphasised that there is no established precedent for withdrawing a peerage nomination after it has been announced, citing this as a reason for broader reforms to vetting and appointment processes.
Lord Doyle has apologised and had the Labour whip removed, explaining that he believed Morton's assertions of innocence at the time. However, Morton later admitted to having the images, intensifying scrutiny on Lord Doyle's actions.
Opposition Parties Launch Scathing Attacks
During Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of knowing about Lord Doyle's association with Morton when the peerage was granted. She highlighted that The Sunday Times reported on this association in late December, after the peerage announcement, yet Lord Doyle still took his seat in January.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey joined the criticism, accusing the Prime Minister of a catastrophic lack of judgment. Flynn drew parallels to the earlier scandal involving Lord Peter Mandelson, suggesting Sir Keir had rolled the same pitch by claiming ignorance of his appointees' ties to sex offenders.
Labour Investigation and Political Fallout
The scandal has erupted during a turbulent week for Sir Keir's premiership, marked by two departures from Downing Street, calls for his resignation from the Scottish Labour leader, and the ongoing Mandelson controversy. Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley has publicly stated that Lord Doyle should not remain a peer, adding pressure on the government.
Conservatives have threatened to use a parliamentary vote to compel the release of documents related to Lord Doyle's appointment, though Number 10 has pointed to the ongoing investigation as a reason for withholding files. In his apology, Lord Doyle expressed unreserved regret for supporting Morton and noted having extremely limited contact after the conviction.
This case underscores broader concerns about vetting processes for peerages and political appointments, with the government now pledging to review and reform these systems to prevent future scandals.
