Keir Starmer’s ascent to No 10 has been marred by controversy as Labour Together, the thinktank that played a pivotal role in his success, declares a “clean break” following the resignation of its former director, Josh Simons. This decision comes in the wake of a scandal involving a report that erroneously linked journalists to a “pro-Kremlin” network, prompting calls from both Labour MPs and opposition leaders for Starmer to distance himself from the organisation entirely.
The Resignation That Shook Labour Together
Josh Simons stepped down from his role as a Cabinet Office minister after the implications of a £36,000 report commissioned by him came to light. This investigation, which sought to probe journalists from prominent outlets such as the Sunday Times and the Guardian, was intended to address Labour Together’s failure to report over £700,000 in donations. However, it soon spiralled into a scandal that has raised serious questions about the organisation’s integrity and operations.
The report, conducted by lobbying firm Apco, not only failed to provide credible insights but also veered into unsubstantiated allegations against journalists, including a baseless connection to a Russian influence network. This prompted immediate backlash, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanding Starmer return any donations from Labour Together and clarify his stance on the thinktank’s future involvement with his administration.
Internal Discontent Among Labour MPs
The fallout from this scandal has reverberated within Labour itself. Several party members have expressed their discontent with Starmer’s handling of the situation. Karl Turner, a Labour MP, took to social media platform X, emphasising the need for a broader investigation into Labour Together’s activities, while Clive Lewis lamented that Simons should have been dismissed much earlier. The delay in decisive action has led to growing frustrations, indicating a rift within the party at a time when unity is crucial.
Simons’ tenure at Labour Together saw significant mismanagement, particularly during the period from 2017 to 2020, which was under the purview of Morgan McSweeney, now Starmer’s chief of staff. The Electoral Commission has since imposed fines on Labour Together for these reporting failures, further compounding the embarrassment for the party.
Scrutiny of Labour Together’s Future
In light of the controversy, the board of Labour Together has sought to distance itself from Simons’ actions. Sally Morgan, chair of the board, stated that an internal review has led to significant changes, including the establishment of an audit and risk committee along with a whistleblowing policy. She acknowledged the indefensibility of the report commissioned by Simons and assured that the board had not been privy to the contract or the contents of the Apco report prior to the scandal.
Alison Phillips, the chief executive of Labour Together, echoed these sentiments, expressing shock at the report’s findings and affirming that journalists should never have been subjected to such scrutiny. The board is now committed to creating a more transparent and accountable organisation, aiming to restore trust among party members and the public.
The Implications of the Scandal
Simons’ resignation has prompted introspection and a reassessment of Labour Together’s role within the party. In his resignation letter, he stated that remaining in his position had become a distraction from the government’s work, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Starmer, who stressed the importance of allowing journalists to perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
This incident places Keir Starmer at a crossroads. He must navigate the turbulent waters of party loyalty while also addressing the urgent need for accountability and transparency. The impact of this scandal extends beyond Labour Together; it raises fundamental questions about the broader relationship between political organisations and the media, as well as the ethical standards that must govern them in a democratic society.
Why it Matters
The fallout from the Labour Together scandal underscores the importance of integrity within political organisations and the vital role of a free press in holding power to account. As Keir Starmer faces calls to distance himself from a tarnished thinktank, the incident serves as a crucial reminder that transparency and responsibility are paramount in restoring public trust in political institutions. The decisions made in the coming days will not only shape the future of Labour Together but could also have lasting repercussions for the Labour Party as it seeks to regain its footing on the national stage.
