UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Keir Starmer’s communication director, Matthew Doyle, has resigned, making him the second senior figure to exit within a year.
As reported by The Guardian, Matthew Doyle has stepped down after nine months in Number 10.
Why did Matthew Doyle step down as Keir Starmer’s communications chief?
After nine months in the role, Mr Doyle becomes the second senior member to leave Starmer’s team, following Sue Gray’s departure as chief of staff in the autumn.
The senior special adviser reportedly chose to step down after feeling that he had successfully stabilized Number 10’s communication strategy, following months of initial turbulence in the government.
Mr Doyle, who has worked previously under Tony Blair, joined Keir Starmer’s team in 2021 as interim communications director. He became one of the PM’s longest-serving aides and is expected to leave the position immediately.
What did Matthew Doyle say in his farewell email to the Number 10 team?
In an email to his No 10 team, Doyle wrote,
“When I started working for Keir four years ago, not many people thought we could win a general election and certainly not in the emphatic way we did. That was down to the hard work and determination of so many people and, of course, Keir’s leadership.”
He added,
“I am incredibly proud of the part I have played in returning our party to government and the change we are already bringing to the country,”
adding,
“Now it’s time to pass the baton on.”
Mr Doyle expressed gratitude to his civil service colleagues. He stated,
“To my political colleagues, we’ve been on quite a journey, and I look forward to cheering you, Keir, and the whole government on from the sidelines. I can’t wait to see what you all do next.”
Who will replace Doyle as Starmer’s communications chief?
James Lyons, the former NHS and TikTok communications chief, will succeed Doyle as director of communications (strategy).
Earlier this year, Lyons joined as a strategic adviser and is reportedly favoured by Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff.
Labour leader’s deputy communications director, Steph Driver, will be promoted to the role of director of communications (delivery).
Doyle’s departure after 25 years with Labour
With more than 25 years in Labour, Mr. Doyle began his career as the party’s head of press in 1998.
After a brief period as an adviser to David Blunkett, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Mr Doyle joined Tony Blair’s Number 10 in 2005 and became deputy head of communications. He continued working with Blair for more than five years after his time in office.
He also worked with the charity International Rescue alongside David Miliband, the ex-foreign secretary under Blair.
Mr Doyle was appointed to lead communications for Keir Starmer after Labour’s defeat in the 2021 election. He brought crucial experience to the team during a challenging period.
Keir Starmer’s views about Putin’s role in peace talks
Speaking on 27 March at the “Coalition of the Willing” summit with European leaders in Paris, Keir Starmer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “playing games and playing for time” in negotiations with Ukraine. He also slammed Putin’s demand for sanctions relief before a US-brokered maritime ceasefire.
Mr Starmer stated,
“Now is not the time for pulling back or weakening sanctions – now is the time to increase sanctions to get them to the table.”