UK: Starmer's Communications Director Resigns

Published MAR 28 2025

Story

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The Facts

Matthew Doyle has resigned as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's director of communications after nine months in Downing Street, according to an exclusive report by The Guardian.
Guardian
The Times (UK)
The resignation leads to an immediate restructuring of Labour's communications team, with James Lyons, a former NHS and TikTok communications chief, becoming director of communications for strategy, while Steph Driver is promoted to director of communications for delivery.
LabourList
Express.co.uk
Doyle joined Starmer's team in summer 2021 following Labour's defeat in the Hartlepool by-election — a moment when the Labour leader considered quitting his position and the party sat over ten points behind the Conservatives in polling.
The Times (UK)
Guardian
YouGov
Prior to his role with Starmer, Doyle served as Labour's head of press and broadcasting from 1998, worked in Blair's No 10 as deputy head of communications, and later spent time at the International Rescue Committee with David Miliband.
Guardian
The Times (UK)
In his farewell email to colleagues, Doyle expressed pride in helping return Labour to government and stated it was time to "pass the baton on," while Starmer acknowledged his "considerable experience" and deep collaboration.
Independent
The Times (UK)
The resignation is the second senior departure from Starmer's Downing Street team following the resignation of former chief of staff Sue Gray, who was replaced by Morgan McSweeney last autumn.
guardian
The Telegraph

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The departure represents a natural transition after successfully stabilizing the government's communications strategy and narrative following the early turbulent days in office. Doyle is a popular individual who is leaving on his own terms after achieving his objectives and helping orchestrate an impressive return to power for the Labour Party.

LabourList

Guardian

Establishment-critical narrative

Doyle’s resignation highlights deeper issues within Starmer’s government. Since entering Downing Street last summer Doyle struggled to assert a successful communications strategy, with some insiders feeling he was outmatched by the likes of James Lyons. Unfortunately for the government, a communications shakeup will do nothing to solve the lack of compelling policy content holding them back.

Guido Fawkes