Matthew Torbitt, a prominent political commentator and regular guest on GB News, has been charged with fraud by false representation over travel and expense claims made during his time as a Labour adviser. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges, alleging that Torbitt obtained free rail tickets between August 2022 and September 2024 by booking them through the parliamentary travel system for non-parliamentary purposes.
Details of the Charges
Torbitt, 35, faces two counts of fraud by false representation. The first relates to obtaining free rail tickets, while the second concerns a claim for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses submitted on 2 October 2024 that were allegedly not for parliamentary business. The Metropolitan Police began their investigation in April last year after receiving a report about unauthorized purchases through a travel booking system by a parliamentary staff member.
Torbitt's Background and Roles
Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Torbitt gained attention by sharing his experiences of homelessness. He served as a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and became an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK last year. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was invited to shadow Andy Burnham in 2014 when Burnham was shadow health secretary. Torbitt has held advisory roles with various MPs from 2018 to 2024. He now lives in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Media Presence and Support for Burnham
Torbitt describes himself as Britain's "favourite lefty" and one of the country's "most popular social commentators." He appears on GB News, BBC's Newsnight, Sky News, and TalkTV. He remains a vocal supporter of Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Westminster after winning the Makerfield byelection. Burnham is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister next month, though Torbitt has no official role in his team.
Legal Proceedings
Torbitt was charged by post on 9 June and will appear at Thames Magistrates Court on 27 July. The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that expenses for MPs' staff are ultimately funded by taxpayers. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of parliamentary expense claims.
