Labour Peer Stripped of Whip Amid Paedophile Friendship Controversy
Labour has removed the whip from Matthew Doyle, a recently appointed peer and former director of communications for Keir Starmer, following revelations about his friendship with a convicted sex offender. The decision comes just ahead of Prime Minister's Questions, where Starmer is expected to face intense questioning over the appointment.
Timing Raises Questions About Political Strategy
The timing of Labour's announcement yesterday appears calculated to minimise political damage during today's PMQs session. Doyle's peerage was announced in December, and he took his seat in the House of Lords in early January, despite public knowledge of his friendship with Sean Morton, who was charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Doyle had campaigned for Morton while he claimed innocence, but Morton subsequently pleaded guilty. In response, Doyle issued a lengthy statement apologising for his actions, but the damage to Labour's reputation was already done.
Conservative Pressure and Internal Labour Concerns
Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch has vowed not to let the matter drop, posting on social media last night: "Keir Starmer handed a peerage to Matthew Doyle despite knowing about his ongoing friendship with a man charged with child sex crimes. The Prime Minister has now suspended the whip, but he must come clean about what he was told before making this appointment. We won't let this go."
Within Labour ranks, Anna Turley, the party chair, expressed her personal view that Doyle should not be in the Lords at all, adding further pressure on Starmer to address the controversy directly.
Today's Parliamentary Agenda
The political drama unfolds against a busy parliamentary schedule:
- 9am: Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper holds a press conference on a major Treasury announcement
- 9.45am: Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson gives evidence to the Commons Treasury committee on business rates
- Noon: Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch at Prime Minister's Questions
- 1pm: Starmer addresses the women's Parliamentary Labour Party
- 1.30pm: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband appears before the Commons energy committee
Additionally, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is publishing an education estates plan today, which includes provisions for more space for children with special educational needs.
Broader Implications for Labour Leadership
This controversy represents the second instance in recent weeks where Starmer has faced questions about Labour peers with connections to individuals involved in child sexual offences. The situation raises serious questions about Labour's vetting processes for peerage appointments and Starmer's judgment in allowing Doyle to take his seat despite the known association.
As PMQs approaches, Starmer must prepare to defend not only the decision to remove the whip but also the original appointment that has placed his leadership under renewed scrutiny.
