Keir Starmer’s Communications Chief Matthew Doyle Resigns After Nine Months
Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, has stepped down after nine months in No. 10. A veteran of Labour politics, Doyle worked for Tony Blair and played a key role in Labour’s return to government. In his resignation email, he acknowledged the party’s transformation under Starmer, saying, “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.” He added, “Now it’s time to pass the baton on.”
His departure follows that of former chief of staff Sue Gray last autumn, marking another major shift within Starmer’s inner circle. Doyle’s exit was unexpected, though insiders suggest he had been “increasingly detached” for some time. His role will now be split between James Lyons, a former journalist and strategic adviser, and Steph Driver, who will handle day-to-day media interactions.
Doyle, who first joined Starmer’s team in 2021 after Labour’s Hartlepool by-election defeat, was credited with stabilizing No. 10’s communications strategy. Starmer praised him, saying, “Matthew brought his considerable experience to my team... It has been a real privilege to work with him.” Doyle now leaves as the government refines its messaging, with Lyons and Driver set to take the reins.
