Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has directed his ethics adviser to investigate Josh Simons, a minister in the Cabinet Office, amid serious allegations concerning his previous role at the Labour-affiliated think tank, Labour Together. The inquiry arises from claims that Simons oversaw a report investigating the backgrounds of journalists, commissioned by Labour Together in response to a Sunday Times story about undisclosed donations.
Background of the Allegations
Labour Together, instrumental in Sir Keir Starmer’s ascension as Labour leader, reportedly engaged the US firm APCO Worldwide for at least £30,000 to delve into the “sourcing, funding and origins” of the contentious Sunday Times article. This investigation raises ethical questions, especially given Simons’ ministerial position. While he has maintained that APCO exceeded its brief by including “unnecessary information,” the scrutiny surrounding the issue has intensified.
Last week, Starmer himself requested the Cabinet Office to investigate Simons, prompting over 20 Labour MPs to demand a fully independent inquiry due to potential conflicts of interest inherent in Simons’ dual role. The Prime Minister’s independent adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, is now tasked with assessing whether Simons breached the Ministerial Code in his current capacity, rather than during his tenure at Labour Together.
Details of the APCO Worldwide Report
While the complete contents of APCO’s report remain undisclosed, insiders have revealed troubling details. Reports suggest that the investigation included sensitive information about journalist Gabriel Pogrund, notably his Jewish faith and perceived ideological biases. Additionally, it allegedly claimed that Pogrund’s past coverage, particularly on the royal family, could be detrimental to UK stability and align with Russian foreign policy interests.
Documents reviewed by BBC News indicate that APCO was specifically hired to scrutinise the Sunday Times report as well as the journalists involved, including Paul Holden and American reporter Matt Taibbi. This has raised alarms about the implications for press freedom and the ethical boundaries of political opposition research.
Government Response and Political Fallout
In a parliamentary session, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones stated that the Cabinet Office had already “established the facts” surrounding the allegations before referring the matter to Starmer’s adviser on ministerial standards. He asserted that the government remains committed to safeguarding press freedoms, emphasising that no journalist should face intimidation for their reporting.
Contrarily, Simons has characterised the investigation into journalists as “nonsense” and claimed that his request to APCO was solely aimed at probing a suspected illegal hack. However, Conservative shadow chancellor Alex Burghart has condemned the allegations as “spurious,” suggesting that they represent a deliberate smear campaign against journalists reporting on Labour’s electoral practices. He further argued that the ethics adviser should have been alerted sooner, advocating for Simons’ suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
Calls for Broader Inquiry
While Labour MPs have expressed support for the ethics investigation, many are urging a more extensive examination of Labour Together’s operations, beyond Simons’ actions. Prominent figures, such as John McDonnell, have echoed the need for transparency, questioning the integrity of the current inquiry and labelling it a potential “whitewash.”
In response to the criticism, Jones reiterated that the adviser’s mandate is confined to current ministers, leaving any alleged misconduct by Labour Together’s board to their discretion. This delineation has not quelled dissent within Labour, as calls for accountability continue to echo through the party ranks.
Why it Matters
This investigation into Josh Simons not only highlights potential ethical breaches within the government but also raises crucial questions about the intersection of politics and journalism. As the boundaries between accountability and intimidation blur, the implications for press freedom and political transparency are profound. The outcome may influence public trust in both the government and the media, making this an issue of vital importance as the UK approaches the next general election.
