Matthew Torbitt, a GB News pundit and former Labour parliamentary aide, pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of fraud by false representation in connection with his parliamentary expenses. The 35-year-old, who has described himself as "Britain's favourite lefty," appeared at Thames Magistrates Court wearing a navy blue suit and orange tie, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, and guilty plea.
Fraudulent claims between 2022 and 2024
The offences occurred between 2022 and 2024 while Torbitt worked for Christian Wakeford, the MP for Bury South. Prosecutor Maisha Mannan stated that Torbitt obtained free rail tickets and accommodation for trips unrelated to parliamentary business. The rail tickets were booked via the parliamentary travel system from 23 August 2022 to 29 September 2024. On 2 October 2024, he submitted a separate claim for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses.
The Crown Prosecution Service estimated the claims totalled more than £6,000, though the exact amount will be determined at sentencing. Expenses filed by MPs' staff are funded by taxpayers.
Investigation and court proceedings
The Guardian revealed last month that the Metropolitan Police began investigating Torbitt in April last year after receiving a report about a parliamentary staffer making "unauthorised purchases" through a travel booking system. He was charged on 9 June. District Judge Navneet Sher granted Torbitt unconditional bail and ordered him to be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court later this year.
Torbitt rose to prominence by sharing his experiences of rough sleeping in Manchester as a teenager. He has appeared as a panellist on GB News, as well as on BBC's Newsnight, Sky News, TalkTV, and various podcasts. His introduction to Westminster came in 2014 when he was "invited to shadow" Andy Burnham, then shadow health secretary, according to his LinkedIn profile. Torbitt said the internship was arranged after he impressed Burnham while filming a documentary. He worked as a caseworker for various Labour MPs between 2018 and 2024 but no longer works in parliament. He remains a supporter of Burnham and is a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK.
