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PM criticizes peer for incomplete disclosure on sex offender links
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer faced inquiry regarding his choice to confer a peerage upon Lord Doyle.
The decision to grant a peerage to Lord Doyle, Sir Keir Starmer's former communications chief, has been defended by the prime minister, despite allegations that Lord Doyle did not fully disclose his connections to a convicted sex offender.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his decision to remove Lord Doyle from the Labour Party's parliamentary group, citing a lack of transparency regarding Lord Doyle's past associations.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, questioned Sir Keir Starmer's knowledge of Lord Doyle's background during the appointment process, suggesting that the prime minister had compromised the government's integrity by elevating individuals with questionable judgment.
Lord Doyle has apologized for his previous association with Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor who pleaded guilty to indecent child image offenses in 2017.
The announcement of Lord Doyle's peerage was made on December 10 of the previous year, with his appointment as a former director of communications for Sir Keir Starmer.
A report by The Sunday Times on December 27 revealed that Lord Doyle had campaigned on behalf of Morton after he was charged with possessing and distributing indecent images of children in December 2016.
According to a No 10 spokeswoman, the government thoroughly investigated Lord Doyle's past ties to Morton, including multiple interviews, prior to his appointment.
On January 7, a group of nine opposition MPs, led by SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, submitted a motion in the Commons expressing concerns about Lord Doyle's appointment.
Lord Doyle, a veteran Labour strategist who served as the party's head of press from 1998 to 2005, took his seat in the House of Lords on January 12.
It is understood that the prime minister's office was not aware of Lord Doyle's involvement in Morton's campaign at the time of his nomination in early December, but was informed after the report was published in The Sunday Times on December 27.
Lord Doyle released a statement on Tuesday, explaining that Morton had maintained his innocence at the time of his campaign support, and acknowledging that his decision to continue supporting Morton was an error in judgment.
He expressed his unconditional apology for not ceasing his support for Morton before the conclusion of the judicial process.
This development follows Sir Keir Starmer's confirmation that he had appointed Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The prime minister apologized to Epstein's victims for believing Lord Mandelson's account of his relationship with the financier, which was later revealed to be misleading.
At the start of Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer defended his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who resigned over his role in promoting Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador.

Sir Keir Starmer accepted responsibility for the mistakes made and offered his apology.
However, Kemi Badenoch accused the prime minister of deflecting blame, pointing out that the Lord Mandelson episode was not an isolated incident.
Badenoch referenced the peerage granted to Lord Doyle, highlighting the Sunday Times report that exposed his campaign support for a individual charged with child sex offenses.
She questioned why the prime minister proceeded with Lord Doyle's appointment despite being aware of these allegations, asking, "Why did he give Doyle a job for life in the House of Lords anyway?"
Sir Keir Starmer responded by stating that Lord Doyle had not provided a complete account of his actions, and that he had removed the whip from Lord Doyle as promised.
The prime minister then addressed his government's record on tackling violence against women and girls.
Badenoch countered that Sir Keir Starmer only demonstrates concern for victims when it is convenient for him.
The prime minister refused to accept lectures from the Conservatives on standards in public life, criticizing Badenoch's own record.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained to the BBC's Politics Live that the government did not halt Lord Doyle's appointment due to the lack of an established process for withdrawing a peerage nomination after it has been made.
Alexander acknowledged that there is no formal mechanism to recall a nomination once it has been submitted to the House of Lords.
The prime minister's official spokesman echoed this explanation, stating that the government is undertaking broader reforms of the vetting and appointment processes.
When asked about the claim that there is no precedent for withdrawing a peerage nomination, a House of Lords spokesperson clarified that a peerage is formally created when the letters patent are sealed, which occurred on January 8.
The sealing of the letters patent is the formal process by which a peerage is created.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Sir Keir Starmer's judgment in appointing both Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle, describing it as "catastrophic".
Sir Keir Starmer responded in the Commons, stating that the country has been let down for years, and that the opposition should take responsibility for their actions.
He highlighted the impact of austerity measures supported by the opposition and suggested that they should acknowledge their role in the country's problems.
Stephen Flynn of the SNP stated that the House of Lords Appointments Commission provides confidential advice to the prime minister on the suitability of potential nominees, including Lord Doyle.
Flynn requested that the prime minister release the advice related to Lord Doyle's appointment, but Sir Keir Starmer declined, citing the established procedures.
The SNP has since written to the prime minister, requesting the release of all documents related to Lord Doyle's appointment.
The Conservatives have also indicated that they may use parliamentary mechanisms to compel the release of these documents if necessary.
A Conservative party spokesman stated that they are giving Labour the opportunity to be transparent, and will review their options depending on Labour's response.
Lord Doyle has been approached for comment regarding the prime minister's statements about him in the Commons.
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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
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