PM admits No 10 asked about job for aide Matthew Doyle
Summary
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that discussions happened about offering a diplomatic job to his aide Matthew Doyle, but nothing was finalized. The issue is part of a wider controversy involving diplomatic appointments and security clearances, including the sacking of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.Key Facts
- Sir Keir Starmer admitted Downing Street discussed a diplomatic role for Matthew Doyle, a senior aide.
- Matthew Doyle was made a Labour peer after leaving Downing Street in March 2025, but was suspended from the party in February over links to a convicted sex offender.
- Doyle denies seeking a diplomatic position or knowing about any contact with the Foreign Office regarding such a role.
- The controversy ties into the appointment and security clearance of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, who was later sacked over connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Sir Olly Robbins was sacked after raising concerns about Lord Mandelson’s appointment and gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the discussions about Doyle’s job as cronyism and called for Sir Keir’s resignation.
- Sir Keir defended the appointment process of Lord Mandelson and rejected claims of dishonesty or bypassing due process.
- Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street chief of staff, will give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee soon about the Mandelson appointment.
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