Sir Keir Starmer’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has stepped down from his role after nine challenging months in Downing Street, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with the Labour Party’s media strategy.
Doyle, who previously worked as a special adviser under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has resigned as director of communications with immediate effect.
His departure follows mounting concerns from Cabinet ministers regarding Labour’s messaging, particularly after the party’s post-election conference last September. Many within Labour had been calling for a shift in approach, signaling frustration over the party’s public relations direction.
In an email to his team, Doyle reflected on his tenure.
“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.
“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.”
Matthew Doyle
Doyle concluded his message by stating, “Now it’s time to pass the baton on.”
High-Profile Exits In Starmer’s Government
His resignation marks the second high-profile exit from Starmer’s team in less than a year, following the departure of former chief of staff Sue Gray, who was ousted in a power struggle with her successor, Morgan McSweeney. Doyle reportedly felt that, after months of refining the government’s communications strategy, the time was right for him to step aside.
Rather than appointing a direct replacement, his responsibilities will be divided between Steph Driver, the deputy communications director, and James Lyons, a former TikTok communications chief who has been serving as a strategic advisor. Lyons will now take on the role of director of communications.
Doyle’s exit comes amid broader turbulence within Starmer’s inner circle. Sue Gray was forced out last year after a power struggle with Morgan McSweeney, reflecting internal friction over strategic decision-making. The prime minister’s attempts to restructure his advisory team have been marred by controversies, including disputes over freebie scandals, internal conflicts, and criticism of his handling of sensitive policy decisions — such as the withdrawal of winter fuel payments.
Doyle has had a long history within Labour’s communications apparatus. He first served as Labour’s head of press and broadcasting from November 1998 to May 2005, before joining Sir Tony Blair’s team as deputy director of communications. Later, during Gordon Brown’s tenure, he played a key role in overseeing TV debates during the 2010 general election.
After an extended break from frontline politics, Doyle rejoined Labour in 2021 on an interim basis following the party’s defeat in the Hartlepool by-election. His role was later made permanent, and despite speculation that Labour might seek a senior political journalist for the job, he was ultimately brought into Downing Street as director of communications after Labour’s general election victory in July.
Beyond his political career, Doyle has experience in consultancy and previously worked at the International Rescue Committee alongside former Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
His departure signals yet another shake-up in Starmer’s administration as the Labour government attempts to refine its messaging and maintain public confidence. As the party moves forward, the challenge will be ensuring stability within its leadership team while addressing ongoing concerns about its communication strategy.
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