Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, is leaving his role after nine months in No 10, as reported by the Guardian. This departure marks the second senior member of Starmer’s team to serve less than a year after the election, following the resignation of Sue Gray as chief of staff in the autumn. It is understood that Doyle stepped down after guiding the stabilization of the government’s communications strategy and narrative over the past few months, amid earlier turbulence.

Doyle, who initially joined Starmer’s team in 2021 and is one of the prime minister’s longest-serving advisors, will step down from his role immediately. In a farewell message to his No 10 team, seen by the Guardian, Doyle expressed pride in the team’s achievements, including returning the Labour party to government and the positive changes they have initiated. He emphasized the importance of passing on the reins now.

The transition is set to favor James Lyons, who will take over as the director of communications (strategy), and Steph Driver, who will be promoted to director of communications (delivery). Lyons is viewed as a favorite of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.

Doyle boasts over 25 years of experience with the Labour party, starting in 1998 as the head of press. Following stints as an adviser and within No 10 under Tony Blair, culminating in his role as deputy head of communications, Doyle has had a diverse career, including setting up his consultancy and working with the charity International Rescue. His leadership in communications was perceived as a strategic move to bring experience to the team after Labour’s significant defeat in the Hartlepool by-election.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/mar/28/keir-starmer-communications-chief-matthew-doyle-quit