Keir Starmer Faces Backlash as Labour Chair Calls for Removal of Lord Matthew Doyle from House of Lords in United Kingdom Over Past Support for Councillor Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

Keir Starmer’s leadership is once again under the microscope as questions swirl over his decision to grant a peerage to his former communications chief, Lord Matthew Doyle.

The controversy stems from revelations about Doyle’s previous support for a councillor later convicted of child sex offenses.

Labour party figures are now openly calling for Doyle to be removed from the House of Lords.

The situation has reignited concerns about Starmer’s judgment and the vetting process used for peerages, echoing past crises in British politics.

Lord Doyle’s Past Actions Come Under Fire

The controversy centers on Doyle’s involvement with Sean Morton, a Moray councillor who was charged with possessing indecent images of children.

Doyle campaigned for Morton during his 2017 independent run, despite knowing about the allegations against him.

He has since apologized for his support, claiming he was misled by Morton’s assertions of innocence at the time.

Labour’s party chair, Anna Turley, has been vocal in demanding that Doyle be expelled from the Lords, stating that the full truth about his involvement was not disclosed prior to his elevation.

“What we were told was not the truth when that decision was made,” Turley told Sky News, adding that individuals who have not been transparent should have no place in the Upper House.

Timeline Questions Raise More Concerns

The timeline of events has intensified scrutiny.

Doyle’s peerage was announced on December 10, 2025, and officially published in the London Gazette on January 8.

The Sunday Times reported on December 28 about Doyle’s past support for Morton, raising questions about whether Starmer’s office knew the full details beforehand.

No 10 Downing Street maintains that Doyle’s actions were not known at the time of the announcement, though political commentators suggest the controversy is reminiscent of the Mandelson vetting scandal, which once nearly toppled Starmer’s predecessor.

Reactions From Politicians

The scandal has drawn responses from across the political spectrum.

Education Minister Georgia Gould emphasized that Starmer is “looking at this afresh” and reaffirmed his commitment to high standards in public life.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called for transparency, demanding that the Prime Minister release all vetting advice and due diligence reports regarding Doyle’s appointment.

The Scottish National Party also objected to the peerage, highlighting widespread concern over the matter.

Lord Doyle Issues Apology

In his own statement, Doyle expressed deep regret over his support for Morton, describing it as “a clear error of judgment.”

He emphasized that any contact with Morton after his conviction was “extremely limited” and reaffirmed his condemnation of Morton’s crimes.

Doyle added that he would not be taking the Labour whip during the ongoing investigation.

“My only concerns are for his victims,” he said, reiterating the seriousness of Morton’s offenses and the inappropriateness of his past support.

What’s next?

Labour has suspended the whip from Doyle while a formal investigation continues.

The party has committed to reviewing all complaints thoroughly according to internal procedures.

Meanwhile, calls for reform to make it easier to remove peers who have demonstrated poor judgment or associations with criminal activity are gaining traction, with comparisons drawn to past high-profile political controversies.

The unfolding saga will likely test Starmer’s leadership and the credibility of the peerage vetting process, with political opponents and media outlets closely watching the outcome.

Summary

Keir Starmer’s decision to elevate Matthew Doyle to the Lords has triggered renewed criticism amid revelations of Doyle’s past support for a councillor convicted of child sex offenses.

Labour chair Anna Turley has called for Doyle’s removal, while the Prime Minister’s office insists the peerage was announced without knowledge of the full facts.

Doyle has issued an apology and will not take the Labour whip during investigation.

The controversy raises wider questions about vetting processes for peerages, political accountability, and the standards expected of public officeholders.