In a growing controversy surrounding the Labour Party, veteran backbencher John McDonnell has demanded an independent inquiry into allegations that a thinktank closely associated with Keir Starmer engaged in the smear of journalists. The criticism targets a report commissioned by Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons, which reportedly contained unfounded claims regarding the journalists investigating Labour Together, the thinktank pivotal to Starmer’s political ascent.
Background of the Controversy
The uproar centres on a report commissioned in 2023 by Josh Simons while he was the director of Labour Together. This report, funded and subsequently reviewed by Simons, focused on the sourcing of a November 2023 article from the Sunday Times, which scrutinised the thinktank’s activities. Documents obtained indicate that the public relations firm Apco Worldwide was tasked with investigating not only the Sunday Times report but also other journalistic inquiries into Labour Together.
According to sources, Simons had a close relationship with Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s former chief of staff, who was instrumental in the thinktank’s operations. The implications of their connection raise questions about the motivations behind the investigation into journalists, particularly as the report’s findings were allegedly disseminated among Labour officials, including current cabinet ministers and special advisers.
Baseless Claims and Allegations
The focus of the report has drawn sharp criticism for its baseless assertions. Notably, it alleged that emails forming the basis of the Sunday Times article may have originated from a Russian hack of the Electoral Commission, a claim that Simons and others have deemed unfounded. Furthermore, the report reportedly targeted journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, delving into Pogrund’s Jewish background and making unfounded suggestions about his personal and professional connections.
Simons expressed his shock upon discovering that the report included this extraneous information, insisting that he had requested its removal before the findings were shared with the intelligence agency GCHQ. He affirmed that no other British journalists had been subjected to investigations tied to Labour Together.
Political Reactions and Demands for Accountability
John McDonnell, the seasoned Labour figure and former chancellor, has taken a firm stance by advocating for an independent inquiry into the matter. He has reached out to the Labour Party’s general secretary multiple times, underscoring the gravity of the situation. “If true, this is unacceptable,” he remarked, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability within the party.
Other Labour MPs, including Karl Turner, have echoed McDonnell’s sentiments, suggesting that the prime minister himself should address the issue. Turner believes a direct conversation between Starmer and McDonnell is necessary to unpack the implications of this controversy and restore trust among party members and the public.
Investigations Underway
The Public Relations and Communications Association has initiated its own investigation into the conduct of Apco Worldwide, a move that has been welcomed by Simons. As calls for accountability intensify, the outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences for the Labour Party and its leadership.
Why it Matters
This unfolding scandal not only raises serious ethical questions about the relationship between political figures and the press but also underscores the importance of journalistic integrity in a democratic society. As political dynamics shift in the UK, the response of Labour’s leadership to these allegations will be closely scrutinised, potentially affecting public trust and the party’s credibility ahead of future elections. The ramifications of this controversy could extend beyond the party itself, influencing perceptions of political accountability and transparency in the broader landscape.
