Fresh questions have been raised over the Prime Minister’s handling of the Matthew Doyle controversy, with calls for greater transparency around decisions taken at the highest levels of government.

The issue centres on the appointment of Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords earlier this year, alongside claims that discussions took place about a potential diplomatic role.

Evidence presented to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has brought renewed focus to the matter, including claims that senior figures raised concerns about the suitability of any such appointment.

It was stated that conversations had taken place within government about identifying a possible head of mission role for Doyle, despite reservations being expressed.

Further claims suggest that concerns were raised internally about how such an appointment could be justified.

The Prime Minister has since been questioned on the issue, but has not set out the full extent of his involvement.

Stephen Flynn said:

“There are serious questions for the Labour Party to answer over the Matthew Doyle scandal.

“These new revelations about Doyle are only the latest in the long line of scandals that have come to define Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister.

“Starmer came to office promising change, but he has only offered more of the same chaos and cronyism as the government that came before him.

“The public deserves honesty from a Prime Minister who has provided over a culture of cronyism and chaos in government.

“What was his role in trying to stitch up a posting as an ambassador for Matthew Doyle?

“Why did he choose to appoint Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords despite knowing of his links to a convicted paedophile?

“Starmer must now publish all communications and documentation related to the plot to set Doyle up with a plum job at the tax-payer’s expense, and all relevant material on the decision to appoint Doyle to the House of Lords.

“If he won’t do so voluntarily, then Parliament must force him to.

“At a time when we need real leadership, people in Scotland cannot afford a Prime Minister consumed by chaos, and who will always put his cronies in the Labour Party before the people of these isles.

“For every moment that the Labour Party is consumed by chaos of its own making, the energy crisis, the fuel crisis, and the cost of living crisis go ignored by Westminster.

“While the Labour Party is preoccupied by chaos and scandal, the SNP is focused on our bold and ambitious plans to improve the NHS, support people with the cost of living and deliver the fresh start of independence.”

The developments have added to wider political debate around standards, accountability and decision making in government.

Calls have also been made for the release of communications and documentation linked to the appointment and any related discussions.