Starmer’s spokesperson leaves after less than a year in No 10

Nine months is a long time in politics, especially if you’re getting it in the neck. But the departure of Keir Starmer’s communications director, Matthew Doyle, after less than a year is drawing attention.

Doyle survived the defenestration of Sue Gray, the prime minister’s short-lived chief of staff, which was a head scratcher for many within Labour who felt Doyle should have carried the can for failing to keep deal on various media storms – including ‘freebie-gate’.

But Doyle, who has worked for Starmer since 2021, didn’t last much longer. He left the team with immediate effect on Friday.

His role will be split between Steph Driver, who is becoming director of communications delivery, and James Lyon, a former NHS and TikTok comms chief, and erstwhile political journalist, who will be director of communications strategy.

Lyons joined the team earlier this year as a strategic adviser.