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In a significant political upheaval, Labour Together, the thinktank pivotal in propelling Keir Starmer to No 10, has announced a decisive break from its past following the resignation of its former director, Josh Simons. His departure comes in the wake of a scandal involving a misleading report that wrongly implicated journalists in a “pro-Kremlin” network. The ramifications of this controversy are reverberating through Parliament, prompting calls from various political figures for Starmer to sever ties with the organisation.
Simons’ Controversial Tenure and Resignation
Josh Simons, who led Labour Together during a tumultuous period, stepped down from his role as a Cabinet Office minister amid growing scrutiny. His resignation on Saturday follows revelations that he had commissioned a £36,000 report from a lobbying firm to probe journalists from The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and other outlets. These journalists had been investigating Labour Together’s failure to declare over £700,000 in donations between 2017 and 2020.
The report, produced by Apco Worldwide, delved into the personal backgrounds of the journalists involved, raising ethical questions about the thinktank’s approach to media scrutiny. Simons’s decision to engage in such tactics has drawn sharp criticism, not only from opposition leaders but also from within his party.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
In the wake of Simons’s departure, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wasted no time in urging Keir Starmer to distance himself from Labour Together. “Simons has resigned so it’s clear Labour Together is utterly finished as an organisation,” she stated emphatically. She further demanded that Starmer return the “tainted money” received from the thinktank, highlighting the urgency for accountability in light of the unfolding scandal.
Labour MPs have expressed disappointment with Starmer’s handling of the situation. Karl Turner articulated his concern on social media, stating that a broader investigation into Labour Together’s activities was warranted. Clive Lewis echoed this sentiment, criticising the delay in Simons’s resignation as indicative of deeper issues within the organisation.
The Fallout from the Apco Report
The controversy surrounding the Apco report has cast a long shadow over Labour Together. Simons had expressed his shock and dismay at the report’s scope, which extended beyond the original mandate by including sensitive information about journalists like Gabriel Pogrund. Despite Simons’s claims of surprise, the Guardian revealed that he had previously linked these reporters to a “pro-Kremlin” narrative in correspondence with GCHQ.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, concluded that while Simons did not breach the ministerial code, his continued presence in government posed a distraction and potential reputational risk. This finding has raised questions about the integrity of Labour Together and its leadership under Simons.
A Commitment to Change
In light of these events, Sally Morgan, chair of the Labour Together board, asserted that the thinktank is committed to reform. “The board and chief executive have been carefully reviewing all relevant material,” she stated. Morgan emphasised that the organisation would establish an audit and risk committee alongside a new whistleblowing policy to prevent any recurrence of such issues in the future.
Alison Phillips, chief executive of Labour Together, echoed this sentiment of regret, stating, “We were shocked by revelations about the work undertaken on behalf of the organisation more than two years ago.” Both Morgan and Phillips are advocating for a renewed focus on transparency and trust within the party as they navigate the fallout from Simons’s resignation.
Why it Matters
The implications of this scandal extend far beyond the confines of Labour Together. As the Labour Party seeks to present itself as a credible alternative to the current government, the actions and decisions made by its thinktanks will undoubtedly influence public perception and trust. The fallout from Simons’s controversial tenure may well serve as a pivotal moment in the party’s quest for integrity and accountability, challenging its leadership to confront the shadows of its past while striving for a more transparent and inclusive future.
