Second No 10 departure in hours as Boris’ press chief quits

Jack Doyle was accused of being at one of the alleged Downing Street parties (Pictures: PA/Getty Images)

Boris Johnson’s press chief Jack Doyle has resigned in the second big departure from Downing Street today.

The director of communications recently found himself caught up in the ‘partygate’ scandal.

He was alleged to have made a speech and handed out awards at a ‘Christmas party’ in Downing Street in December 2020.

The announcement comes hours after Munira Mirza, one of the PM’s most loyal aides, quit in protest at the Jimmy Savile slur leveled at Sir Keir Starmer.

The prime minister was criticised this week for falsely claiming the Labour leader failed to prosecute the notorious child sex offender when he was director of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Former journalist Mr

Doyle has reportedly denied his step down is linked to the gatherings being investigated by police or the Tory leader’s controversial remarks.

According to the Daily Mail, he told staff: ‘It was always my intention to do two years. Recent weeks have taken a terrible toll on my family life. 

‘Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I wish you all the best for the future.’

Mr Doyle said he always planned to quit after two years (Picture: PA)

Munira Mirza has been of the prime minister’s most trusted advisors dating back to his time as mayor  (Picture: NurPhoto)

In a letter exclusively obtained by The Spectator earlier today, Ms

Mirza launched a shock attack on Mr Johnson.

She wrote: ‘I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice.

‘There was no fair or reasonable basis for that assertion. This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse.

‘You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave.’

A No 10 spokesman said: ‘Jack Doyle has left government. He has made a huge contribution and the Prime Minister is immensely grateful for the work he has done.’

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