Calls intensify to block Matthew Doyle’s appointment amid child sex crime links
An early-day motion has been submitted by the SNP to prevent Matthew Doyle from taking his seat in the House of Lords, following revelations about his connection to a councillor charged with child sex crimes, reports BritPanorama.
The move comes as Doyle, a former Labour adviser and current Director of Communications in the Starmer government, faces mounting scrutiny. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn described Doyle as “another crony with links to a sex offender,” amplifying calls for accountability in the Labour Party.
Flynn criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer’s silence on the issue, highlighting comparisons to Peter Mandelson’s peerage, suggesting that Starmer is evading public scrutiny regarding his associates. Early-day motions (EDMs) are non-binding but serve to draw governmental attention to specific issues.
Doyle’s involvement came to light when he campaigned for Sean Morton, who later admitted to possessing child abuse images in 2017. In a statement, Doyle expressed regret over his acquaintance with Morton, stating that he had not seen him in years and was introduced through mutual friends.
The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that an investigation into Doyle’s past connections to Morton had taken place, involving several interviews with Doyle prior to his appointment. A spokeswoman said, “Questions regarding Matthew Doyle’s past acquaintance with Sean Morton were thoroughly investigated.”
The situation raises significant concerns within the Labour Party, particularly regarding its vetting processes and the implications of past associations on future appointments. As debates on accountability and transparency in government continue, the outcome of this early-day motion is likely to have lasting effects on both Doyle’s career and the Labour Party’s image.
In a political environment sensitive to allegations of misconduct, the scrutiny surrounding Matthew Doyle’s appointment underscores the importance of due diligence in public service, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing personal connections with public accountability.
