In a shocking revelation, Labour Together, a think tank that played a pivotal role in Sir Keir Starmer’s ascent to Labour leader, commissioned a report that scrutinised the personal and religious background of a journalist from the Sunday Times. The investigation was reportedly initiated over concerns about an article on undeclared donations linked to the group, raising serious ethical questions.
Operation Cannon: The Controversial Report
Documents obtained indicate that Labour Together engaged APCO Worldwide, a US public affairs firm, for a sum exceeding £30,000 to probe the “sourcing, funding and origins” of the controversial story. This inquiry, codenamed “Operation Cannon,” included allegations concerning journalist Gabriel Pogrund’s faith and upbringing, as well as his reported ideological leanings.
While the full report remains under wraps, insiders have confirmed that it delved into Pogrund’s Jewish heritage and suggested that his past reporting, particularly on matters involving the royal family, could potentially undermine UK stability and align with Russian strategic interests.
Pogrund, who serves as the Whitehall editor for the Sunday Times, has garnered accolades, including the titles of Political Journalist of the Year and News Journalist of the Year at the 2025 Press Awards.
Background of the Investigation
The initiative for the report came from Josh Simons, the former head of Labour Together and now a Cabinet Office minister. A contract viewed by BBC News reveals APCO Worldwide was tasked with investigating not only Pogrund but also Paul Holden, the journalist responsible for the original article, who has since authored a critical book about Starmer and his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Simons has expressed dismay over the report’s breadth, stating it extended beyond the intended scope by incorporating extraneous information about Pogrund. He stated, “I was surprised and shocked to read the report extended beyond the contract by including unnecessary information on Gabriel Pogrund. I asked for this information to be removed before passing the report to GCHQ.”
Despite his initial claim that the report aimed to address a potential hack unrelated to UK journalists, a redacted version was shared with the National Cyber Security Centre to address ongoing security concerns.
Reactions from Labour MPs
The fallout from the report has prompted concern among Labour MPs. Karl Turner, the MP for East Hull, has urged the Prime Minister to investigate the matter, suggesting that the current narrative of “plausible deniability” may soon lose its credibility. Meanwhile, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has called for an independent inquiry, stating, “If true, this is unacceptable.”
Alison Phillips, the current CEO of Labour Together, who took the helm after the report was commissioned, affirmed her commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity within the organisation. She expressed willingness to cooperate with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in reviewing the situation.
Why it Matters
This investigation raises critical issues surrounding journalistic integrity and the ethical boundaries of political organisations. The implications of targeting journalists based on their backgrounds could set a dangerous precedent, threatening press freedom and the foundational principles of democracy. The Labour Party now faces scrutiny not just over its internal practices but also over how it engages with the media, a relationship crucial to its public image and credibility. As calls for accountability grow louder, the future of Labour Together’s reputation hangs in the balance.
