Ex political advisor admits fraud over expense claims

A former political advisor has admitted to committing fraud by falsely claiming expenses on the Parliamentary travel booking system, according to Thames Magistrates' Court records. Matthew Torbitt, who served as an advisor to Labour MP Christian Wakeford, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation. The admission covers a period from August 2022 to September 2024 during which Torbitt claimed rail tickets that were not for parliamentary purposes. Additionally, he admitted to making a false claim for travel and accommodation expenses on 2 October 2024. The total value of these claims is estimated to exceed £6,000, though the exact amount will be determined later. Torbitt, 35, currently works as a political commentator and frequently appears on media platforms such as GB News, LBC, Sky News, BBC Newsnight, and Times Radio. He appeared in court dressed in a navy blue suit. His sentencing has been postponed to Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the exact date has not yet been set. District Judge Navneet Sher indicated that the sentencing is likely to occur no sooner than four weeks from the current date. Torbitt’s career within the Labour Party spanned from 2018 to 2024, during which he held various advisory roles for senior members of the party. An investigation into his activities was initiated following a report from the police regarding unauthorized purchases made by a staff member of an MP through a travel booking system. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the inquiry led to Torbitt’s charge via postal requisition on 9 June. Torbitt is engaged to Sharon Gaffka, a women’s rights activist and former participant in the reality TV show Love Island. The couple welcomed a son earlier this month, as noted on Torbitt’s Instagram account. This personal detail adds context to the professional implications of his legal proceedings. Separately, authorities in Leicester have charged four men with murder following a fatal stabbing incident. Arad Niakan, a 24-year-old man, died after being stabbed in De Montfort Place, off London Road, on Wednesday. The accused include Talha Satar, 21, Said Mahamed, 20, Husni Benramadan, 19, and Yousouf Khan, 18, all of whom face charges of murder, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense, and possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place. They are set to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday alongside Kassam Tarmahoomed, 21, who faces charges of assisting an offender. A 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released. Two other individuals, aged 52 and 43 respectively, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but have been granted bail. These two separate incidents highlight different aspects of criminal behavior, fraudulent conduct within political circles and violent crime in a local community. While the outcomes for Torbitt and the others involved in the Leicester case remain pending, they underscore ongoing concerns about accountability and law enforcement responses in diverse contexts. The cases continue to unfold as legal processes move forward.