PM admits No 10 asked about job for aide Matthew Doyle

Starmer admits No 10 asked about job for aide Matthew Doyle8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJennifer McKiernanPolitical reporterDavey presses Starmer on reports aide considered for ambassador jobSir Keir Starmer has confirmed conversations took place about a potential diplomatic role for his senior aide Matthew Doyle.The ex-communications chief was made a Labour peer after leaving Downing Street in March 2025, but was suspended from the parliamentary party this February over links with a convicted sex offender.The allegation was raised by Sir Olly Robbins as he gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, after he was sacked by Sir Keir last week in the ongoing row about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.On Tuesday, Lord Doyle said he had never sought such a position, and was not aware of anyone speaking to the Foreign Office about finding a role for him.At PMQs, the prime minister was questioned by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, and Conservative MP Mike Wood, whether Downing Street had considered appointing Doyle to a diplomatic position.Sir Keir told Wood: "Matthew Doyle worked for many years in public service, for me as prime minister and other ministers."When people leave roles in any organisation there are often conversations about other roles they want to apply for, but nothing came of this."Lord Doyle has previously apologised for his past association with Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor in Moray who admitted indecent child image offences in 2017.It came after the Sunday Times reported that Lord Doyle campaigned for Morton after he was charged with possessing and distributing indecent images of children in December 2016.Lord Doyle has said his support for Morton's election campaign came at a time when he was maintaining his innocence.PM urges Badenoch to sack shadow minister over Muslim commentsFuel tax hike plan to be kept under review over Iran, says PMStarmer defends Iran response as B...