Allegations have surfaced that Labour Together, a thinktank closely associated with senior Labour figures, engaged a public relations firm to investigate journalists probing its funding. The revelations, reported by the Substack publication Democracy for Sale, suggest the organisation sought to identify sources behind critical reporting by several prominent outlets, including the Guardian and the Sunday Times.
Investigative Allegations Surface
Labour Together, previously managed by Morgan McSweeney and currently led by Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons, is accused of hiring APCO Worldwide to scrutinise journalists following a damaging article that alleged McSweeney failed to disclose over £700,000 in donations to the thinktank from 2017 to 2020. This funding reportedly supported polling and campaigning efforts that contributed to Keir Starmer’s ascent to Labour leadership.
McSweeney, who left Labour Together in 2020 to join Starmer’s team, has maintained ties with the thinktank, which was a crucial ally during Labour’s 2024 election victory. While sources close to McSweeney assert he was not involved in the decision to engage APCO, the controversy has reignited scrutiny of his position within Downing Street.
Funding Controversy and Electoral Commission Fines
In September 2021, Labour Together faced a fine of £14,250 for failing to report £740,000 in donations in a timely manner. The organisation self-reported to the Electoral Commission after the revelations about its financial transparency emerged. The Sunday Times investigation intensified pressure on Labour Together, prompting the thinktank to seek assistance from APCO to counteract the negative media coverage.
Democracy for Sale claims to have access to internal APCO reports that identify several journalists, including the Sunday Times’ Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, and the Guardian’s Henry Dyer, as “significant persons of interest.” These documents reportedly explored potential avenues for “leverage” against other media personnel.
Fallout for McSweeney and Labour Leadership
As the allegations unfold, McSweeney is facing increasing scrutiny over his role in Downing Street, particularly amid new disclosures related to Peter Mandelson’s involvement in the Epstein files. Calls for his removal have been met with resistance from Downing Street, but dissent is brewing among Labour backbenchers. MP Kim Johnson has publicly condemned the situation, labelling it as indicative of a “rotten” operation within the leadership.
Reports indicate that APCO’s investigation was initiated in 2023, when Simons was at the helm of Labour Together. The firm was purportedly paid at least £30,000 to investigate the origins of the Sunday Times article about the thinktank’s financial dealings. Notably, one internal document allegedly speculated that the source of the leaked information might stem from a cyber intrusion of the Electoral Commission.
Implications for Labour’s Future
The unfolding saga raises significant questions regarding transparency and accountability within Labour’s leadership. As the party navigates claims of misconduct and funding irregularities, the potential fallout could have lasting effects on public perception and electoral prospects.
Why it Matters
The allegations surrounding Labour Together and its attempts to investigate journalists underscore a broader concern regarding the relationship between political organisations and media scrutiny. As the Labour Party grapples with its internal challenges, these issues highlight the importance of transparency in governance and the potential consequences of attempts to silence critical voices. In an era where accountability is paramount, the implications of this scandal may reverberate far beyond Westminster, shaping the political landscape in the months to come.
