Prime Minister Keir Starmer Continues Support for Minister Amid Growing Controversy
Sir Keir Starmer is persisting in his backing of a senior Government minister, despite mounting demands from Members of Parliament for a thorough investigation into the minister's alleged involvement in what has been described as a 'smear campaign' directed at journalists. Downing Street has publicly affirmed that the Prime Minister retains full confidence in Josh Simons, the Cabinet Office minister, even as pressure intensifies over the unfolding scandal.
Allegations Surround Labour Together Think Tank
Mr Simons, who also serves as the Labour MP for Makerfield, is currently under scrutiny for his tenure as head of the Labour Together think tank from 2022 to 2024. This organisation played a pivotal role in Sir Keir's successful campaign to become Labour leader. Reports indicate that Labour Together engaged the services of the public relations firm APCO Worldwide, paying £36,000 to conduct an investigation into the personal, political, and religious backgrounds and motivations of journalists in 2023.
This inquiry is said to have been initiated following media coverage that highlighted Labour Together's failure to declare donations exceeding £700,000. A comprehensive 58-page dossier compiled by APCO reportedly contained extensive and deeply personal false allegations about Gabriel Pogrund, the Whitehall editor at the Sunday Times.
Contract Details and Denials
Leaked documents from the contract confirm that APCO was explicitly instructed to investigate the sourcing, funding, and origins of a newspaper article concerning Labour Together's donations. In a formal confirmation letter to Mr Simons, the firm committed to providing a body of evidence that could be packaged for media use. Additionally, it has been alleged that Mr Simons forwarded the findings of this inquiry to the National Cyber Security Centre, suggesting a potential Russian operation aimed at undermining Sir Keir.
Mr Simons has previously dismissed claims that he sought to investigate journalists as 'nonsense' and expressed surprise at APCO's inclusion of unnecessary information about Mr Pogrund, stating it exceeded the contract's scope. A spokesperson for Mr Simons has firmly denied all allegations, asserting, 'These claims are untrue.'
Mounting Pressure and Calls for Resignation
The allegations have significantly increased pressure on Mr Simons, who is currently subject to an internal Cabinet Office probe and faces growing calls to resign from his position. More than twenty Labour MPs have written to the Prime Minister and Hollie Ridley, Labour's general secretary, urging an independent investigation into the actions of Labour Together.
In a letter obtained by the Telegraph, the MPs emphasised that any investigation led by Government departments with connections to Labour Together could undermine public trust, regardless of the outcomes. They stated, 'Even the perception of partiality can cause lasting damage to confidence in our democratic institutions.' The MPs further highlighted the importance of addressing these allegations with the highest standards of integrity and accountability, especially at a time when trust in politics remains fragile.
MPs Demand Independent Inquiry
Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central and a signatory to the letter, voiced strong concerns, saying, 'It is vital that we defend the freedom of journalists and I am appalled that Labour Together sought to undermine them.' She insisted that only an independent inquiry could restore confidence, arguing that the Cabinet Office should not investigate Labour Together while its former director remains a minister within the same office.
Downing Street has indicated that an update on the internal Cabinet Office probe will be provided 'in due course.' The Prime Minister's official spokesman reiterated the importance of a free press, stating, 'Journalism and the free press are fundamental to any democracy and any reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of favour.' He confirmed that an internal process led by officials in the Propriety and Ethics team is underway to establish the facts, and when asked if Sir Keir continues to have full confidence in Mr Simons, the spokesman affirmed, 'Yes.'
Background and Ongoing Reviews
Labour Together was previously fined £14,250 in September 2021 for late reporting of donations totalling £730,000 between 2017 and 2020, after referring itself to the Electoral Commission. Meanwhile, APCO has announced it is conducting a detailed internal review of the project in question, as the controversy continues to unfold and attract significant political and public attention.
