A prominent GB News commentator has been charged with fraud offences linked to his previous work as a Labour adviser, according to reports.
Matthew Torbitt, a regular political pundit on GB News, faces two counts of fraud by false representation relating to travel and expenses claims made while working in Parliament.
The 35-year-old is understood to have held advisory positions for several MPs between 2018 and 2024. Torbitt describes himself on his website as Britain’s “favourite lefty” and one of the country’s “most popular social commentators”.
Alongside his appearances on GB News, he has also featured on BBC Newsnight, Sky News and TalkTV.
The Crown Prosecution Service alleges that Torbitt obtained free rail tickets between August 2022 and September 2024 through the parliamentary travel booking system for journeys that were not connected to parliamentary duties.
Prosecutors also claim that on 2 October 2024, he submitted an expenses claim for travel and accommodation costs that were not incurred for parliamentary purposes.
Parliamentary staff expenses are funded by taxpayers.
The Metropolitan Police said Torbitt was charged by post on 9 June after an investigation launched in April last year.
Police said the inquiry began following reports that “a member of staff working for a member of parliament had allegedly made unauthorised purchases through a travel booking system”.
Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Torbitt first gained public attention after speaking openly about his experiences of homelessness. He later became a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and was appointed an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Torbitt was invited to shadow Andy Burnham in Westminster in 2014 while Burnham was serving as shadow health secretary.
Torbitt has remained a vocal supporter of Burnham, who is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister in the coming weeks, although he holds no formal role within Burnham’s team.
He is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 27 July in connection with both charges.