Josh Simons, a Labour MP and current minister in the Cabinet Office, is facing a probe by a government sleaze watchdog over allegations that his former think-tank commissioned a smear campaign against journalists. The accusations have sparked an investigation by Sir Laurie Magnus, the government’s ethics adviser, at the request of Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Simons, who was the director of Labour Together in 2023, has denied any wrongdoing. However, the controversy has raised questions about his actions during his time at the think-tank and his current position as a minister.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Labour Together, a pro-Starmer think-tank, had commissioned an investigation into the “backgrounds and motivations” of journalists who had written stories about the organization. This investigation was carried out in 2023, while Simons was still the director of Labour Together.
The investigation was sparked by a November 2023 report by the Sunday Times, which revealed that Labour Together had failed to declare £730,000 in donations between 2017 and 2020. The report also raised questions about the think-tank’s funding and origins.
In response, Labour Together commissioned PR consultancy Apco Worldwide to conduct an investigation into the Sunday Times journalists who had written the report. The investigation made false claims about the journalists, Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, and its findings were shared informally with Labour figures.
This controversy has raised concerns about the integrity and ethics of Simons and the think-tank he once led. It is also concerning that the false claims made by the investigation were shared with Labour figures, potentially damaging the reputation of the journalists involved.
In light of these allegations, Keir Starmer has asked Sir Laurie Magnus to investigate the matter. The Prime Minister’s office has also been approached for comment, but has yet to respond.
This is not the first time that Labour Together has been embroiled in controversy. The think-tank was previously run by Morgan McSweeney, who resigned as Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief of staff two weeks ago over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Simons took over as director of Labour Together in 2022, and it was under his leadership that the decision was made to commission the investigation into the Sunday Times journalists. This raises questions about his judgment and decision-making abilities.
The controversy has also caught the attention of the Shadow Cabinet Office minister, Alex Burghart, who has called into question Simons’ position as a minister. He stated, “It is very difficult to see how the minister’s position is tenable.”
In response to the allegations, Starmer has confirmed that the Cabinet Office will carry out its own investigation into the matter. The Prime Minister’s office has also stated that the matter will be referred to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, and the findings will be made public in due course.
This is a necessary step in ensuring that the integrity and ethics of our government are upheld. The public deserves to know the truth about these allegations and to have confidence in the actions of their elected officials.
It is also a reminder that those in positions of power must be held accountable for their actions. The role of a minister is one of great responsibility, and it is essential that they uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethics.
As the investigation unfolds, it is important to remember the role of journalists in our society. They play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and providing the public with accurate and unbiased information. Any attempt to discredit or smear journalists is an attack on the freedom of the press and must be taken seriously.
In conclusion, the allegations against Josh Simons and Labour Together are concerning and must be thoroughly investigated. The public deserves to know the truth, and those responsible must be held accountable. As a government, we must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethics to maintain the trust of the people we serve.
