PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after just nine months in Downing Street.

Matthew Doyle was brought in as Sir Keir’s communications director four years ago, when the party was in opposition.

He is the second senior member of Sir Keir’s team to leave less than a year after the general election after Sue Gray quit as his chief of staff in the autumn.

An email from Mr Doyle to colleagues yesterday morning said: “When I started working for Keir four years ago, not many people thought we could win a general election and certainly not in the emphatic way we did.

“I am incredibly proud of the part I have played in returning our party to government and the change we are already bringing to the country. Now it’s time to pass the baton on.”

His departure is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery).

The Prime Minister’s former chief of staff, now Lady Gray of Tottenham, was forced out after a briefing campaign against her by colleagues.

Sir Keir said: “Matthew brought his considerable experience to my team in summer 2021 and has worked tirelessly by my side every day since playing a leading role in Labour’s historic election win.”

He said that “on a personal level it has been a real privilege to work with him.”

A Momentum spokewoman said: “A shake-up in the government’s communications will not reverse the devastation caused by Starmer's path to austerity.

“Regardless of how the policies are conveyed, people did not vote for a Labour government to enact swingeing cuts to welfare and public spending.”