James Lyons (political adviser)

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Wikipedia

James Lyons
Downing Street Director of Communications
In office
28 March 2025 – 1 September 2025
Serving with Steph Driver
Prime MinisterKeir Starmer
Preceded byMatthew Doyle
Succeeded byTim Allan
Personal details
PartyLabour

James Lyons is a British political aide and former journalist. He served as Downing Street Director of Communications in the Starmer ministry.

Biography

Lyons previously worked as a journalist.[1] He was deputy political editor at The Sunday Times.[2] He was also the same role at the Daily Mirror.[3] Lyons served as Director of Communications at NHS England and NHS Improvement.[4] In this position during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] He was also a communications adviser at TikTok.[6]

Lyons joined the Prime Minister's Office following the resignation of Sue Gray.[7] When Matthew Doyle resigned in March 2025, Lyons was appointed Director of Communications.[8] He was given responsibility of communications strategy.[9] He resigned on 1 September 2025.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "How will Keir Starmer's new-look Downing Street work?". BBC News. 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  2. ↑ Fisher, Andrew (2024-10-07). "The problems Morgan McSweeney and James Lyons will bring to No 10". The i Paper. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  3. ↑ "James Lyons". The Mirror. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  4. ↑ "James Lyons". Pharma Comms. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  5. ↑ Keate, Noah (2024-10-07). "UK government hires TikTok comms chief". POLITICO. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  6. ↑ Cowburn, Ashley (2025-09-01). "Keir Starmer's top comms chief leaves No10 after year in role". The Mirror. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  7. ↑ "The 'top team' selected to turn around Sir Keir Starmer's premiership after Sue Gray". The Scotsman. 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  8. ↑ "PM's spokesman Matthew Doyle quits Downing Street after nine months". BBC News. 2025-03-28. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  9. ↑ "Top Starmer ally quits No 10". www.telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  10. ↑ Kirkup, James (2025-09-01). "James Lyons's departure will cost Keir Starmer". The Spectator. Retrieved 2025-10-14.