One of Keir Starmer’s closest allies has sensationally quit No10 – in one of the biggest shake-ups since Labour took power.
Matthew Doyle, the PM’s right-hand man on media, has thrown in the towel as director of communications, saying it’s “time to pass the baton on”.
The shock exit, revealed in an email to staff, sent shockwaves through Labour. It’s the second major departure from Starmer’s top team in less than a year – after Sue Gray was booted from the Chief of Staff job last October.
The Guardian reports he’s standing down immediately, with no direct replacement. Instead, his job will be split between James Lyons, who will take charge of comms strategy, and Steph Driver, who’ll run delivery. However, sources suggest many in the Labour camp are worried by his rapid departure.
The source said: “Lyons has been instrumental after Labour’s bumpy start that saw rows and scandals within weeks of winning the general election. He was good at putting out fires. I’m not sure they’ll do so well without him. He’s been good at putting them back on track.”
But critics are already asking: is No10 really back on track – or is this just more chaos behind closed doors?
A seasoned Labour man, Doyle cut his teeth under Tony Blair, serving as a press officer and later as political director. He also advised Lord Blunkett, and helped out with Labour’s 2010 general election campaign. His appointment in 2021 was seen as a smart move by Starmer, bringing in a calm, experienced operator ahead of Labour’s push for power.
But his departure now raises fresh questions about who’s really in charge behind that famous black door. It marks the second big change in just nine months.
First, Sue Gray was ousted after losing a Downing Street power struggle, replaced by Labour election guru Morgan McSweeney. Gray was offered a part-time gig as “envoy for the regions and nations” – but never took it. Instead, she bagged a peerage and is now Baroness Gray of Tottenham.
So with one veteran out, another in the Lords, economy slowing, Labour sinking in the polls and a string of scandals already under Starmer’s belt – the question remains: can Labour keep it together in government without their seasoned comms guy? It’s going to be a long four years ahead that’s for sure.
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