GB News pundit charged with fraud during time as Labour adviser

A prominent political commentator has been charged with fraud in relation to his time as a Labour adviser, the Guardian can reveal. Matthew Torbitt, a regular guest pundit on GB News, faces two counts of fraud by false representation in relation to his travel and expenses claims while working in parliament. The Guardian understands Torbitt, 35, had advisory roles with various MPs between 2018 and 2024. He is described on his website as Britain’s “favourite lefty” and one of the country’s “most popular social commentators”. As well as appearing as a panellist on GB News, he has also been on the BBC’s Newsnight, Sky News and TalkTV. Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Torbitt came to the attention of the political establishment by sharing his experiences of homelessness. He was made a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK last year. The Crown Prosecution Service said Torbitt, who now lives in Didcot, Oxfordshire, had been accused of obtaining free rail tickets between August 2022 and September 2024 by booking them through the parliamentary travel system. It is claimed these trips did not relate to parliamentary business. Expenses for MPs’ staff are ultimately funded by the taxpayer. It is also alleged that, on 2 October 2024, Torbitt submitted a claim for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses that were not for parliamentary purposes. The Metropolitan police said Torbitt was charged by post on 9 June. …