In a significant turn of events, Labour Together, the thinktank that played a crucial role in Keir Starmer’s ascent to No. 10, has announced it is severing ties with its controversial past. This decision follows the resignation of its former director, Josh Simons, who stepped down from his ministerial role after a scandal involving a report that erroneously connected journalists to a “pro-Kremlin” narrative. The fallout has prompted calls from Labour MPs and opposition leaders for Starmer to dissociate from the organisation entirely and to return its financial contributions.
Fallout from the Scandal
The resignation of Josh Simons, who led Labour Together when it commissioned a £36,000 investigation into journalists, marks a pivotal moment for the organisation. The report in question was intended to probe allegations surrounding its failure to declare over £700,000 in donations. However, rather than providing clarity, it has led to public outrage and scrutiny.
Simons stepped down on Saturday, citing his position had become a “distraction from this government’s important work”. In his resignation letter, he expressed regret for any unintended harm caused to the journalists targeted by the report commissioned from lobbying firm Apco. He claimed he never intended to vilify the reporters involved.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
The political landscape has shifted as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded that Starmer distance himself from Labour Together. Badenoch stated, “Simons has resigned so it’s clear Labour Together is utterly finished as an organisation. Keir Starmer must tell us immediately if he will now end Labour Together’s links with his government and return the tainted money they’ve donated.”
Discontent has also emerged from within the Labour ranks. Several MPs have expressed disappointment in Starmer’s handling of the situation. Karl Turner took to X, asserting that a broader investigation into Labour Together’s activities is warranted. Meanwhile, Clive Lewis voiced concerns over the delay in Simons’ resignation, suggesting it reflected poorly on the leadership.
The Investigation and Its Consequences
Simons was at the helm when Labour Together engaged Apco to investigate the origins of stories about its financial disclosures. The review not only examined the alleged leak of confidential materials but also scrutinised the personal lives of journalists reporting on the matter. This invasion of privacy has drawn severe criticism, particularly after the Guardian revealed that Simons had himself linked reporters to a “pro-Kremlin” network in communications with GCHQ.
Sally Morgan, chair of the Labour Together board, acknowledged the missteps, stating, “The scope of the work carried out by Apco… was indefensible. The board was not shown the contract with Apco. Nor was the Apco report shared with the board.” She further emphasised that the thinktank is committed to reform, implementing an audit and risk committee alongside a whistleblowing policy to prevent future indiscretions.
A Path Forward
Alison Phillips, the chief executive of Labour Together, echoed the sentiments of regret, stating the organisation was “shocked” by the recent revelations and has cooperated with inquiries, including those initiated by the Cabinet Office. She affirmed that journalists should not be subjected to investigations of this nature.
In a statement accepting Simons’s resignation, Starmer underscored the importance of safeguarding journalists’ rights to report without fear or favour. He remarked, “It is essential that journalists are able to carry out their work… including holding politicians of all parties to account on behalf of the public we serve.”
Why it Matters
The unfolding scandal surrounding Labour Together raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and the intricate relationship between political organisations and the media. As Labour seeks to distance itself from the past, the implications of this incident resonate beyond party lines, highlighting the need for ethical governance in political discourse. The public’s trust in political institutions hinges on their ability to uphold journalistic integrity, making it imperative for leaders to act decisively in safeguarding the freedom of the press.
