New Labour peer suspended over alleged inappropriate behaviour
Labor suspended one of his colleagues a month after he took his seat in the Lords after it was revealed he had resigned from a sixth-form university group over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Lord Joe Docherty, who was introduced to the House of Lords on January 19, resigned as chief executive of the NCG in October 2018 after facing allegations of sexual intercourse while at work.
According to the research conducted by the Department Sunday Times And FE WeekLord Docherty exchanged numerous sexual messages and used hotels paid for by the NCG to meet partners during working hours during his Ofsted inspection.
In one case, he allegedly had sexual intercourse while he was supposed to be attending a meeting.
At the time, NCG, formerly Newcastle College Group, was the country’s largest sixth form and further education group.
Lord Docherty was administratively suspended from the Labor Party on Saturday until the investigation was completed, meaning he also lost his Labor whip.
It was reported that he did not mention his resignation when the review was being carried out for his appointment to the House of Lords.
In a statement to Sunday TimesLord Docherty said the allegations were “strongly disputed” and would be challenged if the matter was taken to a disciplinary hearing.
He also accused the person investigating the allegations of bias. Sunday Times: “As a member of the House of Lords or as a senior executive, I fully accept that accountability is paramount and welcome legitimate scrutiny.
“But I also have a right to privacy. A version of a confidential internal HR report was openly leaked and Sunday TimesIt is a shame to trust such a document.”
A Labor Party spokesman said: “The Labor Party expects the highest standards from our members. All complaints are dealt with thoroughly in line with our rules and procedures.”
Separately, Baroness Ann Limb, one of Sir Keir Starmer’s new peers, said she would not take her seat in the Lords because of allegations about her time chairing the City & Guilds charity.
Baroness Limb, who previously admitted lying about having a PhD, oversaw the sale of the charity’s assets, which saw two directors receive bonuses of more than £1 million.
Sunday Times It was reported that the Aid Commission launched an investigation into the sale.
Baroness Limb said: “I will not take my seat in the Lords until issues relating to my previous voluntary roles are resolved.”
Both Lord Docherty and Baroness Limb were made peers at the same time as former Downing Street communications chief Matthew Doyle, another controversial appointment, in December 2025.
Lord Doyle lost his Labor whip on February 10, more than a month after it was reported that he was campaigning for a council candidate accused of possessing indecent images of children.
She apologized for her relationship with Sean Morton, who later admitted the crime; Sir Keir claimed Lord Doyle had not made a “full disclosure” about his links to the pedophile councillor.
