In a significant political shakeup, Labour minister Josh Simons has stepped down from his position following revelations that he improperly associated journalists with a “pro-Kremlin” network. This decision comes after mounting scrutiny surrounding the commissioning of a report by a public relations firm aimed at probing journalists linked to the think tank Labour Together, which Simons previously led.
Pressure Mounts Over APCO Report
Simons, who previously served as a Cabinet Office minister, found himself under increasing pressure after the Guardian revealed he had commissioned a report from APCO, a lobbying and public affairs agency, to investigate media coverage of Labour Together. The report was initiated amid allegations that the think tank failed to disclose nearly £730,000 in political donations.
In his resignation, Simons stated that his continued presence in government had become a “distraction from this government’s important work.” His involvement with the APCO report raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the government’s relationship with the press, a sentiment echoed by Labour leader Keir Starmer, who highlighted the necessity for journalists to operate without fear or favour.
Findings of the Independent Adviser
The Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, conducted a formal investigation into Simons’ actions. While Magnus determined that Simons did not breach the ministerial code, he noted that the situation presented “a distraction and potential reputational damage” to the government.
The investigation revealed that Simons had directly overseen the commissioning and review of the APCO report, which sought to unearth the sources behind a Sunday Times article that questioned Labour Together’s funding. The report also aimed to investigate journalists who had contributed to the piece, including the newspaper’s Gabriel Pogrund and freelance journalist Paul Holden.
During the inquiry, Simons admitted that the “terms of reference” for the investigation were broader than he had initially understood. He expressed regret for not seeking legal advice before proceeding with the contract, which amounted to £36,000.
Fallout from the APCO Report
The fallout from the APCO report has been swift and damaging. Allegations surfaced that the document included unfounded claims regarding the faith and personal relationships of journalist Gabriel Pogrund. After the Guardian reported these findings, Simons stated he was “surprised and shocked” at the report’s overreach, which went beyond the intended investigation into a suspected hack.
Starmer, in accepting Simons’ resignation, reiterated the importance of protecting journalistic integrity. Meanwhile, Labour Together’s chair, Lady Sally Morgan, characterised the scope of the APCO report as “indefensible” and noted that steps had been taken to improve governance within the organisation, including the formation of an audit and risk committee and the introduction of a whistleblower policy.
The Broader Implications
In his resignation letter, Simons asserted that he had never intended to smear any journalists involved in the APCO investigation. He acknowledged the essential role of reporters in democracy, stating, “The work of reporters like Gabriel Pogrund, Harry Yorke, and Henry Dyer sustains our democracy.”
Despite Simons’ claims, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) did not pursue an investigation into the allegations he made regarding the journalists. The lack of credible evidence linking the reporters to any pro-Kremlin activities further complicates the narrative, particularly as Holden has recently provided documentation indicating that his reporting was based on whistleblower disclosures from within the Labour party.
Why it Matters
Simons’ resignation underscores a critical moment for the Labour party as it grapples with the implications of its internal governance and its relationship with the media. The incident raises broader questions about transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of journalistic freedom, particularly in a political climate increasingly wary of scrutiny. As Labour seeks to rebuild its credibility, the fallout from this controversy will likely shape its narrative in the lead-up to future elections, highlighting the ongoing tension between political power and press integrity.
