Sir Keir Starmer has initiated an investigation into a cabinet minister following allegations that a Labour think tank financed a controversial probe into journalists. The inquiry centres on Josh Simons, who is facing mounting pressure to resign after reports emerged that the think tank Labour Together, which he previously managed, engaged a PR firm to scrutinise the personal backgrounds of reporters.
Allegations of Misconduct
Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, informed MPs that Simons has been referred to the independent standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus. This follows an inquiry by the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team, which sought to establish the facts surrounding the case. Jones stated, “As the Prime Minister confirmed last week, he asked civil servants in the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team to establish the facts… that work has now concluded.”
The focus of the investigation is a £36,000 payment made to the PR firm Apco Worldwide to investigate journalists from major media outlets, including The Sunday Times and The Guardian. These journalists had reported on Labour Together’s failure to disclose over £700,000 in donations properly. The resulting report, reportedly spanning 58 pages, contained information intended to undermine the credibility of the journalists involved.
Background of the Investigation
Labour Together has been under scrutiny since it was fined £14,250 in September 2021 for late reporting of donations, totalling £730,000 between 2017 and 2020. This financial mismanagement prompted the think tank to refer itself to the Electoral Commission. Critics argue that the investigation into the journalists was a blatant attempt to deflect attention from these financial breaches.
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, expressed grave concerns about Simons’ position, highlighting the investigation’s troubling elements. He noted that the report made unfounded allegations regarding the journalists’ integrity, including insinuations of reliance on Russian hacking. “This looks to all intents and purposes like a deliberate attempt to smear and intimidate journalists whose only crime had been to report that Labour Together had broken electoral law,” Burghart asserted.
Implications for Press Freedom
Jones reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom, describing it as a “cornerstone of our democracy.” He indicated that the Prime Minister would make a decision regarding Simons’ future once he receives the independent adviser’s recommendations. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant ramifications for the Labour Party and its leadership.
The controversy has raised alarms about the potential erosion of journalistic independence and the risks faced by reporters investigating political funding. Given the serious allegations surrounding the targeting of journalists, the outcome of this investigation will likely be pivotal in shaping Labour’s public image and accountability mechanisms.
Why it Matters
This investigation touches on vital issues of transparency and accountability in politics, particularly concerning the treatment of journalists. As public trust in political institutions continues to wane, the implications of this inquiry extend beyond individual careers—highlighting the critical role of a free press in safeguarding democracy. The findings could set a precedent for how political entities engage with media scrutiny and, ultimately, influence the broader discourse on press freedoms in the UK.
