A recent disclosure has unveiled that senior advisers to Keir Starmer were informed about a controversial investigation targeting journalists who reported unfavourably on the Labour Together thinktank. The revelations have led to renewed scrutiny over Starmer’s awareness of the inquiry and its implications for press freedom.
Senior Advisers Briefed on Controversial Probe
Documents obtained indicate that Morgan McSweeney, who previously served as the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, was among those briefed on the “indefensible” investigation initiated by Labour Together’s director, Josh Simons. The inquiry focused on journalists covering £740,000 in undeclared donations to the thinktank, which had been under McSweeney’s management prior to the current leadership.
While McSweeney has refrained from commenting on the situation, the disclosure raises significant questions about Starmer’s role and knowledge concerning the scrutiny of journalists, particularly as a review by the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team is currently underway.
Investigation Details and Implications
In 2023, Simons commissioned the investigation amidst concerns that Labour Together had been compromised by a hack of sensitive materials related to the Electoral Commission. The probe was undertaken by Apco Worldwide, a US-based public relations firm, which was compensated over £30,000 for its services. Notably, the investigation identified several journalists, including Henry Dyer from The Guardian, as “significant persons of interest.”
In an email dated 14 January 2024, Simons informed McSweeney and Paul Ovenden, Starmer’s director of political strategy, about the ongoing investigation, which included a report that suggested certain journalistic efforts were aligned with foreign interests, specifically suggesting that some coverage could destabilise the UK and serve Russian strategic goals.
Reactions and Consequences
The fallout from the investigation has been swift. Simons, who later became a minister, stepped down from his post following the exposure of the investigation’s details, expressing disbelief at Apco’s findings, which he described as exceeding their original mandate. Furthermore, both McSweeney and Ovenden have since resigned from their positions at Downing Street due to unrelated issues.
Paul Holden, a journalist whose work was central to the inquiry, has called for a comprehensive parliamentary investigation into Labour Together. He described the investigation as a blatant attack on investigative journalism, asserting that it involved a coordinated effort to undermine Starmer’s critics.
In response to the growing outcry, Labour has reiterated its commitment to press freedom. Alison Phillips, the chief executive of Labour Together—now rebranded as ThinkLabour—expressed her shock at the actions taken under the previous leadership, labelling them indefensible.
The Aftermath and Future Developments
As Simons vacates his parliamentary seat to trigger a by-election, the implications of this investigation continue to unfold. It has also come to light that Tom Harper, the senior director at Apco, left the firm following the controversy, specifically for instructing a contractor to “get rid of” documents related to the Labour Together investigation.
These events underscore a troubling intersection between political strategy and press freedom, highlighting concerns about the treatment of journalists who seek to hold power to account.
Why it Matters
The recent revelations regarding Labour Together’s investigation into journalists not only raise significant ethical questions but also jeopardise the integrity of the press in the UK. As the public relies on a free and fair media to uncover truths and provide oversight of those in power, any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists undermines democratic principles. The unfolding situation serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within political organisations and their interactions with the media.
