Peter Kyle: The making of a maverick minister

Sky News Daily

Friday, 1 August 2025 - 20 minutes

After doubling down in a very public row with Nigel Farage, Peter Kyle is the minister of the moment. In an interview with Sky News, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology caused controversy by suggesting Mr Farage was "on the side" of sexual predators like Jimmy Savile because of his opposition to the Online Safety Act. Mr Farage described the comment as "disgusting " and demanded an apology. But in a post on X, Mr Kyle went further, stating: "If you want to overturn the Online Safety Act you are on the side of predators. It is as simple as that." So, who is the man behind the politician? Peter Kyle's meteoric rise through the Labour ranks has come despite a life-long struggle with dyslexia, as well as dealing with the grief of the unexpected death of his partner. Niall Paterson speaks to chief political correspondent, Jon Craig, and the former Labour cabinet minister, Baroness Armstrong – who gave Mr Kyle his first job in politics. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill