No 10 considered offering Doyle ambassador role, ex-official claims

Former senior civil servant Sir Olly Robbins has revealed that Downing Street explored the possibility of appointing Lord Doyle to an ambassador post, according to testimony before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. The disclosure came during discussions about Lord Mandelson’s selection as US ambassador, with Robbins highlighting the internal debate over Doyle’s potential diplomatic assignment.

Suspension and conflict of interest

Sir Olly was suspended from the House of Lords in February after his links to a convicted sex offender were scrutinized. The controversy began when the Sunday Times reported Lord Doyle’s support for Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor in Moray, during his 2016 election campaign. Morton had admitted to indecent child image offences in 2017. Doyle later apologized for his association with Morton.

“I felt quite uncomfortable after No 10 discussed potentially finding Lord Doyle a head of mission role with me and told me not to mention it to the foreign secretary,” Sir Olly stated.

Robbins explained that the proposal for Doyle’s ambassador role was made shortly after he assumed leadership of the Foreign Office in January last year. At the time, Doyle was still serving as the PM’s director of communications. “I was under strict instruction not to discuss this with the then foreign secretary,” he added, noting the pressure to keep the matter confidential.

Questions over judgment and patronage

The revelation has intensified scrutiny of Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Lord Doyle to the House of Lords. Critics argue the move reflects a “culture of centralisation and patronage” within the party, potentially leading to “catastrophic mis-steps” and damaging public trust. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called the claims “incredibly damning for Keir Starmer,” suggesting a pattern of questionable appointments.

Labour’s Mainstream campaign group accused the leadership of overlooking Doyle’s ties to Morton. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn criticized the PM for “ignoring warnings” about Doyle’s connections and “higher hopes” for his role, calling the situation “extraordinary.”

Like Mandelson, Lord Doyle has a history as a key figure in Labour’s right wing. He served as head of press from 1998 to 2005 before working for Lord Blunkett and Sir Tony Blair. After resigning as Starmer’s communications chief in March 2025, Doyle was elevated to a peerage by the PM in December. Downing Street defended the decision, stating the relationship with Morton was “thoroughly investigated” before Doyle’s appointment.

Robbins also mentioned that Lord Mandelson was consulted about Doyle’s possible role in Washington, further linking the two men’s careers. The sacking of Robbins followed the revelation that his department had granted Mandelson security clearance despite prior concerns, raising doubts about the PM’s oversight.