Sir Keir Starmer has initiated an investigation into a cabinet office minister amid claims that a Labour-affiliated think tank financed a controversial probe into journalists. The inquiry follows allegations that Josh Simons, a key minister, was involved in efforts to discredit reporters who reported on his organisation’s financial misconduct.
Allegations of Misconduct
Josh Simons, currently serving as a cabinet office minister and previously the director of Labour Together, is facing increasing pressure to resign. Reports have surfaced that the think tank, Labour Together, engaged the PR firm Apco Worldwide at a cost of £36,000 to investigate journalists from notable outlets such as The Sunday Times and The Guardian. These journalists had covered the think tank’s failure to declare over £700,000 in donations.
The inquiry reportedly culminated in a detailed 58-page report aimed at undermining the credibility of the journalists who scrutinised the group’s campaign financing practices. This investigation comes on the heels of Labour Together being fined £14,250 by the Electoral Commission in September 2021 for late reporting of donations.
Parliamentary Response
During a session in the Commons, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed that the matter had been referred to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent standards adviser on ministerial ethics. Jones reiterated the government’s commitment to press freedom, noting that such freedoms are fundamental to democracy.
“This is not a new process, but a continuation of the process the prime minister has started,” Jones stated, adding that the findings from the independent adviser would be made public promptly.
Calls for Resignation
The shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, expressed serious doubts about Simons’ ability to remain in office, citing the investigation as a “deliberate attempt to smear” journalists. He highlighted alarming details from the report, which allegedly included personal information about one journalist’s Jewish background and unfounded claims regarding their connections to Russian hacking.
Burghart emphasised that the report was shared with senior Labour Party officials and GCHQ, which found no basis for any allegations made. “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,” he asserted.
Conclusion
As the investigation unfolds, Simons’ future in government hangs in the balance. The situation underscores broader concerns about the relationship between political entities and the press, particularly in an environment where transparency and accountability are paramount.
Why it Matters
This investigation not only raises questions about the conduct of a sitting minister but also highlights the precarious nature of press freedom in the UK. In an era where journalistic integrity is critical to democracy, any attempts to intimidate or undermine reporters threaten the very foundations of a free society. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for Labour’s leadership and its broader commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
