Labour Chair Urges Revocation of Starmer Aide’s Peerage Over Paedophile Ties
Labour Chair Anna Turley has called for the revocation of Matthew Doyle’s peerage due to his connections with a convicted paedophile. Doyle, who previously served as Sir Keir Starmer’s communications chief, faced scrutiny after it was revealed he campaigned for councillor Sean Morton in 2017, despite Morton’s history of indecent images of children.
Controversial Support for Convicted Councillor
Matthew Doyle campaigned for Sean Morton, who was already under investigation for child pornography charges at the time. Morton initially claimed innocence but ultimately pleaded guilty in November 2017. Following this revelation, Doyle issued an unreserved apology, expressing regret for not terminating his support for Morton earlier.
Calls for Action from Labour Leadership
Anna Turley, the Labour chair, stated there is “no place in the Lords” for individuals lacking transparency regarding such serious matters. She emphasized that the information provided before Doyle’s appointment was misleading. Turley described Doyle’s situation as inappropriate for the upper chamber of Parliament.
Political Implications and Reactions
- Doyle’s peerage was granted just last month.
- His appointment faced opposition from the Scottish National Party (SNP).
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has requested that the Prime Minister release the vetting reports concerning Doyle’s appointment.
Doyle claimed to have “extremely limited” contact with Morton following the latter’s conviction and condemned his actions as “vile.” He acknowledged that supporting Morton was a serious error and expressed his sympathy for the victims impacted by these crimes.
Labour’s Investigation Process
The Labour Party has stated that Doyle has lost the party whip while an investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for Labour emphasized the party’s commitment to thoroughly assessing all complaints in accordance with established rules and procedures.
The situation surrounding Matthew Doyle’s peerage illustrates the complexities and consequences of political endorsements, especially regarding individuals with criminal backgrounds. This controversy is sure to impact Labour’s public image as the party navigates its internal investigations.
