Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons Steps Down Amid Think Tank Controversy
Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, has resigned from his position as a Cabinet Office minister following an ethics investigation into allegations concerning a prominent think tank he previously led. The inquiry focused on payments made by Labour Together to a public relations firm for probing journalists who had written stories about the organisation.
Investigation Findings and Resignation Decision
Although the investigation conducted by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, concluded that Mr Simons had not breached the Ministerial Code, the MP stated he had "become a distraction from this Government's important work." In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Simons acknowledged that while cleared of wrongdoing, the ongoing controversy was damaging to the government's agenda.
The controversy centred on Labour Together's payment of £36,000 to PR firm Apco Worldwide to investigate journalists from The Guardian and Sunday Times who had reported on the think tank. Initially, Mr Simons claimed Apco had been hired to investigate an illegal hack, but he later accepted the terms were "wider than he had understood" and admitted acting "too hastily in confirming their appointment."
Ethics Adviser's Assessment and Political Fallout
Sir Laurie Magnus noted in his report that while Mr Simons had acted "in good faith," there was a "perceived gap between his public statements and what he now accepts appears to be a more extensive scope" that had proven damaging. The ethics adviser explicitly stated he found no basis for advising the Prime Minister of any Ministerial Code breach, but suggested consideration of whether Mr Simons continued to hold confidence given the "distraction and potential reputational damage."
In his resignation statement, Mr Simons paid tribute to the journalists involved, asserting he "never sought to smear" them. He expressed "sadness and regret" at stepping down, emphasising it had been an honour to serve. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accepted the resignation "with sadness," respecting the decision to avoid ongoing distraction from government priorities.
Organisational Response and Political Criticism
Labour Together's current chief executive, Alison Phillips, who assumed leadership in 2025, described the scope of work carried out by Apco as "indefensible." She confirmed the organisation is implementing improved governance arrangements and learning from past mistakes under new leadership committed to transparency and integrity.
Conservative shadow minister Alex Burghart criticised the Prime Minister for not dismissing Mr Simons earlier, claiming it was "clear as day that he had done wrong" and calling for a comprehensive investigation into Labour Together's activities. Allies of Mr Simons indicated he welcomed the ethics investigation and "deeply regrets" what occurred, while noting Apco had yet to take responsibility for its actions.
The resignation marks a significant development in Westminster, highlighting ongoing tensions between ministerial conduct, think tank operations, and media relations within the current political landscape.
