In a controversial move, Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons has come under fire for employing the public relations firm APCO Worldwide to probe into the sources of journalists reporting on Labour Together, the think tank he once led. This inquiry, conducted prior to his ascension to Parliament, raises significant questions about the integrity of press freedom and the government’s role in monitoring media activities.
Investigation Details
Simons, who previously served as chief executive of the pro-Labour think tank, commissioned APCO Worldwide in 2023 to investigate the origins of a Sunday Times article that scrutinised the funding practices of Labour Together. According to documents obtained by the BBC, the contracted firm was tasked with delving into the funding and sourcing of not only the Sunday Times piece but also forthcoming publications by two political authors.
The investigation was prompted by allegations surrounding Labour Together’s failure to declare over £700,000 in donations received between 2017 and 2020. This financial oversight led to a fine of £14,250 imposed by the Electoral Commission in September 2021.
Minister’s Response
In response to the growing uproar, Simons has vehemently denied any intention to investigate journalists, asserting that his request to APCO Worldwide was solely focused on a “suspected illegal hack” unrelated to any British media outlets, including the Sunday Times or the Guardian. On social media platform X, he stated, “Those who know me know I think the work of journalists is vital to our democracy,” further distancing himself from accusations of targeting the press.
While Simons maintains that APCO’s investigation was aimed at illicit activities, critics argue that the hiring of a PR firm to scrutinise media reporting raises ethical concerns regarding governmental transparency and accountability.
Allegations of Covert Operations
Reports indicate that Labour Together may have employed journalist-turned-lobbyist Tom Harper from APCO Worldwide specifically to investigate how the media obtained sensitive information about the think tank. The leaked contract outlines APCO’s intention to “establish who and what are behind the coordinated attacks on Labour Together,” suggesting a strategy aimed at undermining future criticisms and shaping public narratives.
APCO Worldwide also indicated that their approach would leverage open-source intelligence and digital forensics, providing a “body of evidence” that could be utilised to counter any negative media coverage.
Responses from Stakeholders
While both Labour Together and APCO Worldwide have yet to comment on this situation, a government source has confirmed that officials are reviewing the claims made about the investigation. The previous leadership of Labour Together under Morgan McSweeney—now Chief of Staff to Labour leader Keir Starmer—has also been implicated in this narrative, although a spokesperson clarified that McSweeney was not in charge at the time of the investigation’s commissioning.
Why it Matters
The implications of this inquiry extend beyond the immediate controversy, highlighting a potential threat to journalistic independence in the UK. As government officials increasingly engage with PR firms to scrutinise media practices, the line between legitimate oversight and intimidation of the press becomes dangerously blurred. In a democratic society, the freedom of the press is essential for holding power to account, and any efforts that undermine this principle warrant serious attention and scrutiny from both the public and media watchdogs alike.
