Keir Starmer’s communications director Matthew Doyle is stepping down after just nine months in the role.
The Labour veteran, who previously worked with Tony Blair, will have his responsibilities divided between two successors – former Daily Mirror journalist James Lyons, who will handle communications strategy, and current deputy director Steph Driver.
The shakeup follows internal Labour concerns about the government’s struggles to effectively communicate its message to the public.
Observers note improvements since Lyons joined Number 10 four months ago in a communications capacity.
Lyons brings extensive media experience as the Mirror’s former Political Editor and subsequent PR roles heading communications for both the NHS and TikTok’s European operations.
The restructuring comes as the Starmer government seeks to strengthen its messaging amid ongoing challenges in connecting with voters.
Doyle’s departure marks another high-profile change in Labour’s communications team during the party’s first year in government.
