Labour Chair Calls for Peerage Removal Over Paedophile Links
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley MP has publicly stated that Sir Keir Starmer's former communications chief, Matthew Doyle, should be stripped of his peerage due to his connections with a paedophile councillor. In an interview with Sky News, Turley emphasised that individuals who lack transparency have no place in the House of Lords.
Apology and Suspension Following Revelations
Lord Doyle issued an apology and was suspended from the Labour Party on Tuesday after his links to Sean Morton came to light. Morton, a former councillor in Moray, Scotland, was charged in late 2016 over indecent images of children. Doyle campaigned for Morton in May 2017, while Morton was running as an independent, after the initial charges but before he pleaded guilty in November that year.
Doyle stated that he believed Morton's assertions of innocence at the time, calling it a "clear error of judgment" to have continued support prior to a judicial conclusion. He described Morton's offences as "vile" and expressed remorse, saying, "My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by these crimes."
Political Fallout and Demands for Transparency
Anna Turley criticised the lack of truthfulness in Doyle's appointment process, noting that Downing Street was reportedly unaware of his campaigning for Morton at the time. She told Sky News, "What we'd been told was not the truth when that decision was made," and added her personal view that Doyle should not remain a peer.
The controversy has sparked wider political reactions:
- Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the prime minister to publish vetting advice and due diligence reports related to Doyle's peerage appointment.
- The SNP had previously opposed Doyle's elevation to the Lords, highlighting ongoing scrutiny over the honours system.
- A Labour spokesman confirmed that Doyle has lost the party whip pending an investigation, with all complaints being assessed in line with party procedures.
Lord Doyle only took his seat in the upper chamber last month, making this a swift and significant development in his political career. The case raises questions about vetting processes for peerages and the accountability of public figures in maintaining ethical standards.
