Labour Together, the think tank instrumental in propelling Keir Starmer to the office of Prime Minister, is undergoing significant changes following the resignation of its former director, Josh Simons. This decision comes amidst a scandal linked to allegations that journalists were inappropriately associated with a “pro-Kremlin” narrative as part of a misguided investigation into media coverage regarding the organisation’s financial transparency.
A Clean Break from Controversy
The board of Labour Together has declared its intent to sever ties with the past in light of recent events. Simons, who stepped down from his position as a Cabinet Office minister, was embroiled in a controversy that stemmed from a report commissioned by him in 2023. The investigation, which cost £36,000 and was conducted by the lobbying firm Apco, sought to unearth the sources behind critical reporting from outlets like the Sunday Times and the Guardian concerning the think tank’s failure to report over £730,000 in donations.
Simons expressed regret over the fallout from the Apco report, which he described as unexpectedly invasive, detailing the personal lives of journalists. However, revelations surfaced indicating that he himself had improperly linked reporters to a Russian influence network in communications with GCHQ.
Political Repercussions and Calls for Accountability
The fallout from Simons’ resignation has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has demanded that Starmer distance himself from Labour Together and return its donations. “With Simons’ departure, it’s evident that Labour Together is done,” she stated, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability within the party.
Labour MPs have echoed these sentiments, voicing disappointment over Starmer’s handling of the situation. Karl Turner urged for a broader investigation into Labour Together’s actions, while Clive Lewis lamented the delay in Simons’ resignation, suggesting it reflects poorly on the party’s leadership.
The Investigation and Its Findings
The contentious report commissioned by Simons aimed to investigate whether Labour Together’s confidential materials had been compromised through a breach at the Electoral Commission. The inquiry extended beyond its original mandate, reportedly delving into the private lives of journalists involved in the coverage, which many have condemned as a disturbing overreach.
In light of the scandal, Labour Together’s board has publicly distanced itself from Simons’ decisions. Sally Morgan, chair of the board, indicated that the organisation is committed to reform, stating that the actions taken under Simons’ leadership were “indefensible.” She affirmed that the board was not privy to the contract with Apco nor the findings of its report prior to its public revelation.
Alison Phillips, the chief executive of Labour Together, reiterated the organisation’s shock at the revelations, insisting that journalists should never have been subjected to such scrutiny. The board now plans to implement new oversight measures, including an audit and risk committee as well as a whistleblowing policy, to prevent future missteps.
The Broader Context: Financial Transparency and Accountability
The issues surrounding Labour Together are not merely administrative; they touch on significant ethical concerns regarding transparency and the relationship between political organisations and the media. The think tank’s previous leadership, under Morgan McSweeney—now Starmer’s chief of staff—had already come under scrutiny for failing to declare substantial donations, culminating in fines from the Electoral Commission.
Simons, in his resignation letter to Starmer, acknowledged that his continued presence in government had become a distraction, stating, “It’s essential that journalists can carry out their work without fear or favour.” His resignation has been accepted, with Starmer echoing this sentiment and reinforcing the importance of journalistic integrity.
Why it Matters
The fallout from this scandal highlights critical issues of accountability and transparency within political organisations. As Labour Together seeks to reinvent itself, the implications of this controversy extend beyond mere reputational damage; they raise fundamental questions about the relationship between politics and the press, the responsibility of political leaders to uphold ethical standards, and the need for robust mechanisms to foster transparency within political funding. The ability of journalists to operate freely is paramount in a democratic society, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when that freedom is threatened.
