Starmer’s paedophile-linked peer and former comms chief quits Labour Party
Sir Keir Starmer’s former communications chief Lord Matthew Doyle has apologized for his past relationship with a pedophile councillor and said he will not take the Labor whip.
Lord Doyle campaigned for Sean Morton when he ran as an Independent in May 2017.
Mr Morton admitted possessing indecent images of children later that year.
Lord Doyle said: “I would like to apologize for my past association with Sean Morton. His crimes were despicable and I completely condemn the actions for which he was rightly convicted. My thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected by these crimes.
“During my campaign support, Morton repeatedly pleaded innocent to everyone who knew him, especially in court. He later changed his plea in court to guilty.
“It was a clear error of judgment that I did not withhold support before the judicial outcome, for which I apologize unreservedly.”
He added: “Those who took his word were clearly mistaken.
“I have never sought to dismiss or minimize the seriousness of the crimes for which he was rightly convicted. They are clearly abhorrent and I have never questioned his conviction.”
“Following his conviction any contact was extremely limited and I have not seen or spoken to him for years. Twice I attended events organized by others which he attended, and once I saw him to check on his welfare after concerns had been raised through others.
“I have acted to promote the well-being of a troubled individual by fully condemning the crimes for which he was convicted and making clear that my thoughts are with the victims of those crimes.
“I’m sorry for the mistakes I’ve made. I won’t take the Labor whip.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me end where I began. Morton’s crimes were despicable and my only concern was for his victims.”
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