Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed discussions occurred regarding a potential diplomatic role for aide Matthew Doyle, while defending the appointment process of Lord Mandelson amid opposition accusations of cronyism.
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.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected claims he was under pressure to approve Peter Mandelson's appointment, citing evidence from civil servant Sue Robbins that no pressure was placed on him. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Starmer for relying on advice received after Mandelson was sacked, arguing the appointment was effectively a done deal. Robbins reportedly said the PM's team showed a dismissive approach to vetting, which was not proper process.
Matthew Doyle, former No 10 communications chief who received a peerage after leaving Downing Street, has denied seeking an ambassadorial role following Olly Robbins' committee hearing revelations. Robbins disclosed that Starmer's No 10 had initiated discussions about finding a head of mission role for Doyle. The denial comes amid ongoing controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US.
Former Foreign Office head Olly Robbins told MPs that Downing Street pressed him to find a diplomatic post for Keir Starmer's communications chief Matthew Doyle in March 2025, instructing him not to discuss it with then foreign secretary David Lammy. Robbins said he found the request uncomfortable and difficult to defend. Doyle was later suspended as a Labour peer after it emerged he campaigned for a friend charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Former Foreign Office head Olly Robbins testified that Downing Street pressured him to find a diplomatic role for Keir Starmer’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, while explicitly instructing him to keep the discussions hidden from the then foreign secretary.
Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins has revealed that Downing Street asked him to find a senior diplomatic role for Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer's then director of communications. Robbins testified to the foreign affairs select committee that he was instructed not to discuss the matter with Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The conversations occurred in March 2025, shortly before Doyle left Downing Street. Doyle was later suspended as a Labour peer after it emerged he campaigned in 2016 for Sean Morton, who was charged with possessing indecent images of children.
