In a troubling revelation for the Labour government, new testimony has emerged suggesting that Downing Street exerted covert pressure for a key aide of Sir Keir Starmer to be appointed to a prestigious diplomatic position. This claim, made by former senior civil servant Sir Olly Robbins, has raised serious questions about the government’s judgement and transparency.
Covert Attempts to Secure Diplomatic Position
During a session with the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Olly Robbins disclosed that prior to Matthew Doyle’s elevation to the House of Lords in January, there were discussions from No 10 about appointing him as an ambassador. Robbins expressed discomfort with this idea, highlighting that it would be challenging for the government to justify such a decision. He added that he had received explicit instructions to avoid discussing the matter with then Foreign Secretary David Lammy, which created an uneasy situation for him.
Robbins stated, “I felt quite uncomfortable about the idea of finding Mr Doyle such a role, which I said would be very hard for the government to defend.” His testimony underscores a potential breach of protocol within the Foreign Office, as he indicated that he was “under strict instruction” not to inform Lammy about these discussions.
Concerns from the Current Foreign Secretary
Current Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her deep concern regarding Robbins’ revelations. She asserted that it was troubling for a senior official to be instructed not to communicate with the Foreign Secretary. Cooper categorically stated, “In the case that he raised, it would not have been an appropriate appointment.” Her comments highlight the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for the Labour government.
The Labour Party had suspended Doyle earlier this year following the emergence of his links to convicted paedophile and former
