Cabinet Office to Examine Labour Thinktank Report Over False Journalist Allegations
The Cabinet Office is set to investigate the commissioning of a report that contained false claims about journalists who were probing Labour Together, a thinktank closely linked to Keir Starmer, according to a cabinet minister. Liz Kendall, the Science and Technology Secretary, confirmed that officials will be 'establishing the facts' regarding the controversial document, though she indicated this would not constitute a formal inquiry as demanded by the Conservatives and some Labour MPs.
Regulatory Investigation Underway
Kendall highlighted that the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is already conducting a formal investigation into the matter. The PRCA's standards committee is scrutinising a report compiled by the PR consultancy Apco Worldwide, which examined the 'sourcing, funding and origins' of a November 2023 Sunday Times article about Labour Together. This regulatory probe focuses on the ethical implications of the report's content and its dissemination.
According to sources and documents reviewed by the Guardian, the research was funded and subsequently reviewed by Josh Simons, who served as director of Labour Together and is now a Labour MP and Cabinet Office minister. Simons has expressed surprise at the report's inclusion of 'unnecessary information' about journalist Gabriel Pogrund, stating he requested its removal before forwarding the document to GCHQ.
Controversial Content and Political Fallout
The Sunday Times revealed that Apco's investigation was informally shared with Labour figures in 2024, including current cabinet ministers and special advisers. The report made baseless allegations about journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, suggesting that emails underpinning their story might have originated from a suspected Kremlin hack of the Electoral Commission. Tom Harper, Apco's senior director and a former Sunday Times employee, reportedly claimed the 'likeliest culprit is the Russian state, or proxies of the Russian state.'
Additionally, the report referenced Pogrund's Jewish background and made unfounded claims about his faith, upbringing, and relationships. These allegations have sparked widespread concern over press freedom and ethical standards in political communications.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
The Conservatives have written to Labour's chair, Anna Turley, urging an immediate investigation into Simons' role and that of other Labour Together directors, including serving cabinet ministers. Labour Together, previously headed by Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's recently departed chief of staff, is viewed as central to the Starmer project and the party's transformation post-Jeremy Corbyn.
Kendall emphasised the importance of press freedom, stating, 'The freedom of the press, difficult though it is, is an essential part of the proper functioning of a parliamentary democracy.' When questioned about Simons' position in government, she noted he is 'rightly welcoming the investigation' by the PRCA and affirmed that these issues are crucial for protecting democratic integrity.
Ongoing Developments and Future Implications
Simons has denied any involvement in investigating other British journalists and reiterated his commitment to transparency. As the Cabinet Office proceeds with its fact-finding mission and the PRCA continues its regulatory review, the outcome could have significant implications for political thinktanks, media relations, and accountability in Westminster. Further updates are expected in the coming weeks as investigations progress and more details emerge.
