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The Prime Minister has tasked his ethics adviser with probing allegations against Minister Josh Simons, following claims that the think tank he previously led commissioned a report scrutinising journalists. This inquiry comes in the wake of accusations surrounding Labour Together, the organisation instrumental in Sir Keir Starmer’s ascent to Labour leadership, which allegedly paid APCO Worldwide £30,000 to investigate the origins of a Sunday Times article regarding undisclosed donations linked to the think tank.
Allegations of Impropriety
The controversy stems from a report commissioned by Labour Together that reportedly examined the backgrounds of journalists, including Gabriel Pogrund, in relation to their coverage of the think tank. The inquiry was aimed at understanding the “sourcing, funding and origins” of a story that raised questions about financial transparency ahead of the upcoming 2024 election.
Simons has asserted that APCO Worldwide exceeded its brief by including irrelevant information in the report. In light of these developments, Sir Keir Starmer had previously requested a Cabinet Office inquiry into Simons, but an increasing number of over 20 Labour MPs are now advocating for a comprehensive independent investigation, citing concerns about the integrity of the process given Simons’ ministerial role.
Content of the Report
While the complete report from APCO Worldwide has not been publicly disclosed, sources familiar with its contents have provided insight into its findings. Reports suggest that the document included sensitive information about journalist Gabriel Pogrund, including his Jewish identity and alleged biases in his reporting. Additionally, the report purportedly claimed that Pogrund’s previous work, particularly regarding the royal family, could be detrimental to the UK’s stability and align with Russian foreign policy interests.
The contract between APCO and Labour Together explicitly directed an inquiry into the journalists involved with the Sunday Times story, including Paul Holden and American journalist Matt Taibbi.
Political Reactions
In Parliament, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, addressed the situation, asserting that the Cabinet Office’s investigation had clarified the facts and that these findings had been communicated to Sir Keir Starmer. He reiterated the government’s commitment to press freedom, stating that journalists should never face intimidation for holding power to account.
Simons has maintained that his request to APCO Worldwide was intended to investigate a suspected illegal hack rather than to target journalists. Conservative shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, described the report’s claims as unfounded and suggested that it was intended to undermine journalists who reported on potential electoral violations by Labour Together.
Burghart called for Simons’ immediate suspension pending the outcome of the investigation, arguing that the situation raises significant concerns regarding the minister’s continued suitability for office. However, Jones clarified that the ethics adviser could only examine actions taken during Simons’ term as a minister, leaving previous dealings at Labour Together outside their scope.
Calls for Broader Inquiry
While the ethics investigation into Simons has been welcomed by some Labour MPs, others are advocating for a more extensive examination of Labour Together’s activities as a whole. John McDonnell urged for transparency, suggesting that the current inquiry does not adequately address the broader implications of the allegations. In his remarks, he described the situation as failing the “smell test,” indicating a need for deeper scrutiny.
Jones responded by reiterating that the independent adviser’s mandate is limited to ministerial conduct, shifting the responsibility for investigating Labour Together to its governing board.
Why it Matters
This unfolding situation highlights critical issues surrounding accountability and transparency in political organisations, particularly in the context of press freedom and the ethical conduct of public officials. The inquiry into Josh Simons not only raises questions about the integrity of Labour Together but also serves as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to protecting journalists from undue influence and intimidation. As this investigation progresses, it will likely have far-reaching implications for both the Labour Party and the broader political landscape in the UK.