Prime Minister Keir Starmer is confronting intensified scrutiny over his decision-making abilities following a controversy involving his former communications chief, Lord Matthew Doyle. The Labour leader has removed the party whip from Lord Doyle after it emerged that the peer had actively campaigned for a paedophile councillor, Sean Morton, who was later convicted of possessing indecent images of children.
Questions Over Vetting and Disclosure
Sir Keir stated on Wednesday that Lord Doyle failed to provide a "full account of his actions" during the vetting process for his peerage. It is understood that Lord Doyle's support for Morton, which occurred after charges were filed but before conviction, was not disclosed at that time. Lord Doyle has since apologised, explaining he believed Morton's assertions of innocence prior to the admission of guilt.
Downing Street Communications Revealed
Tim Allan, who served as communications chief in Number 10 until this week, confirmed that Lord Doyle had informed him of his belief in Morton's innocence and his supportive stance during the legal proceedings. Allan relayed this information to the Prime Minister after being asked by Sir Keir's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, to discuss Lord Doyle's relationship with Morton.
"I accurately relayed what Doyle had told me to the PM," Allan said in a statement. "The PM is right to state that Doyle did not tell me about his campaigning in a council election for Morton. Doyle did however tell me that he had believed Morton's protestations of innocence prior to his conviction and had been supportive of him during that time."
Broader Leadership Challenges
This incident adds to a series of controversies that have plagued Sir Keir's leadership. Earlier this week, he survived an immediate threat to his position when his Cabinet publicly rallied around him after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for his resignation amid fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal. Critics argue these events reveal a "boys' club" culture within Downing Street, a claim Number 10 denies.
Calls for Change and Apologies
During a meeting with female Labour parliamentarians, Sir Keir was urged to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy in Government, a suggestion made by former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman. The Prime Minister said he would consider this, repeated his apology for appointing Lord Mandelson, and expressed his commitment to working on issues of misogyny and violence against women and girls.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated in broadcast interviews that Lord Doyle should never have received a peerage and that she believes the Prime Minister shares this view. Downing Street has not committed to stripping Lord Doyle of his honour, citing concerns about prejudicing a Labour investigation into the appointment.
Ongoing Political Fallout
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to face press questions on Thursday, while other prominent Labour figures like former deputy leader Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will attend a public event in Liverpool. Both have expressed support for Sir Keir despite speculation about their own political ambitions.
Civil Service Shake-Up and Criticism
Sir Keir is expected to continue efforts to overhaul his Number 10 operation, with rumours suggesting that Sir Chris Wormald, the country's top civil servant, may be replaced imminently. In a rare intervention, former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office Lord Simon McDonald called for a "full process" to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary, stating it should "start from scratch" to ensure due diligence.
Lord McDonald emphasised the importance of thorough vetting, noting the Prime Minister's "recent bitter experience of doing the due diligence too late." He added that it would be "an unnecessary tragedy to repeat that mistake." Speculation in Westminster points to Dame Antonia Romeo, a civil servant with Foreign Office experience, as a potential successor to Sir Chris.
The departures of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications chief Tim Allan mark Sir Keir's attempts to revive his political fortunes after a challenging start to 2026, as he seeks to move past leadership speculation and focus on governance amid ongoing controversies.
