Sir Keir Starmer picks ex-Tony Blair aide as interim communications chief

Matthew Doyle (left) worked for Tony Blair both during and after his time in Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed ex-Tony Blair aide Matthew Doyle as his interim director of communications, amid a shake-up of the Labour leader's backroom team.

As well as working for Mr Blair, during and after his premiership, Mr Doyle was also an adviser to David Blunkett.

The appointment comes after Sir Keir's political director and chief of staff moved to new roles.

Mr Doyle replaces Ben Nunn, who stepped down last week.

• Top Starmer adviser moved to new position

• Tory win in Hartlepool provides setback for Labour

Mr Doyle previously worked for the Labour Party from 1998 to 2005, and returned briefly to act as TV debates media director for then-PM Gordon Brown during the 2010 general election.

From June 2007 to February 2012, he worked as political director for Mr Blair, once the ex-Labour leader had left office.

An advert for the permanent role of communications director is expected soon.

On Wednesday, Baroness Chapman gave up her role as Sir Keir's political director and will now speak on Brexit-related issues in the House of Lords.

Analysis

By political reporter Brian Wheeler

The return of Matthew Doyle - albeit temporarily for now - is being seen by many Labour watchers as a smart move by Sir Keir Starmer.

A veteran Westminster operator, known for his combative style, his main job will be ensuring Labour punches its weight in the media, at a difficult time for the leadership.

The fact that he is firmly from the Blairite wing of the party has not gone down well with the left, judging from social media reaction.

But this will not worry the party leadership, if he succeeds in getting them more of a hearing in the press and on TV, and manages to neutralise any negative stories flying their way.

Baroness Chapman - a former MP for Darlington - had been blamed by some MPs for Labour's defeat in the Hartlepool by-election.

A Labour source said she had been moved as the party was seeking to use people where their abilities were strongest.

Jenny Chapman is the former Labour MP for Darlington

Meanwhile, Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is going to a new role focusing on elections and campaigning.

Separately, both the director and deputy director of communications in the Labour leader's office are leaving for what they say are "personal reasons".