GB News pundit Matthew Torbitt pleads guilty to parliamentary expense fraud

Matthew Torbitt, a GB News pundit and former Labour parliamentary aide, has pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation concerning parliamentary expenses. The offences occurred between 2022 and 2024 while Torbitt was employed as an aide to MP Christian Wakeford for Bury South.

Torbitt appeared at Thames Magistrates Court on Monday, where he confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas. Prosecuting counsel Maisha Mannan stated that rail tickets were booked via the parliamentary travel system between 23 August 2022 and 29 September 2024. On 2 October 2024, Torbitt submitted a separate claim for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses.

The Crown Prosecution Service estimates the total value of the claims exceeds £6,000, although the exact amount will be determined at sentencing. The offences involved obtaining free rail tickets and accommodation for trips that did not relate to parliamentary business. Expenses filed by MPs’ staff are funded by the taxpayer.

The Metropolitan Police began an investigation in April last year following reports of unauthorised purchases through a travel booking system. Torbitt was charged on 9 June. District Judge Navneet Sher granted Torbitt unconditional bail and scheduled his sentencing for Snaresbrook Crown Court later this year.

Torbitt, 35, is a political commentator who describes himself as “Britain’s favourite lefty” and appears frequently on GB News, as well as BBC’s Newsnight, Sky News, and TalkTV. He rose to prominence by sharing experiences of rough sleeping in Manchester as a teenager.

His entry into Westminster began in 2014 when he shadowed Andy Burnham, now Prime Minister, after impressing him during a documentary film. He worked as a caseworker for various Labour MPs between 2018 and 2024 but no longer works in parliament. He remains a supporter of Burnham but holds no official role in his team.

Last year, Torbitt became a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK. He continues to work as a pundit while awaiting sentencing for the fraud charges.