Matthew Torbitt, a political commentator known for his appearances on GB News and other media outlets, has pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation. The charges stem from claims made against his parliamentary expenses during his time as an aide to Labour MP Christian Wakeford between 2022 and 2024.
During a brief hearing at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday, Mr Torbitt, 35, confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas. The court heard that the fraud involved obtaining free rail tickets and accommodation for journeys that were not related to his parliamentary duties. These bookings were made through the parliamentary travel system, with some dating back to August 2022 and continuing until September 2024. Additionally, Mr Torbitt submitted a separate reimbursement claim for travel and accommodation expenses in October 2024.
The Crown Prosecution Service estimates the total value of the fraudulent claims to exceed £6,000, though the precise figure will be finalised at sentencing. These expenses, funded by the taxpayer, are allocated to support the work of MPs' staff. The Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation into Mr Torbitt in April of last year, following a report of "unauthorised purchases" made via a parliamentary travel booking system, leading to charges being filed on 9 June.
District Judge Navneet Sher granted Mr Torbitt unconditional bail, instructing him to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing later this year. Mr Torbitt gained public recognition through sharing his experiences of homelessness in Manchester as a teenager. Beyond his regular commentary on GB News, he has also featured on programmes such as the BBC's Newsnight, Sky News, and TalkTV.
His entry into Westminster began with an internship shadowing Andy Burnham in 2014, when Mr Burnham was Shadow Health Secretary. Mr Torbitt subsequently worked as a caseworker for various Labour MPs from 2018 until 2024, though he no longer holds a parliamentary position. Despite this, he maintains his support for Mr Burnham. In the past year, Mr Torbitt has also taken on roles as a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK.