Ethics Watchdog Launches Investigation into Minister Josh Simons Over Think Tank Controversy
The Prime Minister's independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, has been instructed to investigate Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons following serious allegations concerning a prominent think tank he previously directed. The investigation centers on claims that Labour Together, which Mr Simons led before entering government, commissioned a public relations firm to conduct background investigations on journalists.
Allegations of Journalist Surveillance
Labour Together stands accused of paying PR firm Apco Worldwide approximately £36,000 in 2023 to investigate the backgrounds of journalists from multiple national outlets, including The Sunday Times and The Guardian. This occurred during the period when Mr Simons served as director of the organization. The journalists in question had previously reported on the think tank's failure to properly declare donations exceeding £700,000 between 2017 and 2020.
The resulting 58-page report allegedly contained information designed to discredit reporters who had exposed campaign finance violations by Labour Together. The think tank was subsequently fined £14,250 by the Electoral Commission in September 2021 for late reporting of donations totaling £730,000.
Parliamentary Debate and Calls for Resignation
During a heated Commons session, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed the matter had been formally referred to the independent adviser on ministerial standards. "The Prime Minister has been advised that the matter should be referred now to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, which the Prime Minister has done today," Mr Jones stated.
Opposition MPs have called for Mr Simons' resignation from his ministerial position, with Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart declaring: "As of today, it is very difficult to see how the minister's position is tenable." The Makerfield MP has faced mounting pressure since the allegations surfaced.
Broader Concerns About Political Donations
Labour former shadow chancellor John McDonnell raised significant concerns about the scale of donations from Labour Together to political figures, stating: "The scale of those donations from Labour Together is shocking, to be frank. It's almost as though an organisation has bought a political party."
Mr Jones defended the declaration process, noting: "Any donations that have been received by individual members of the House, whether from Labour Together or from other organisations, have, as far as I'm aware, all been declared in line with the rules." He specifically addressed his own situation, confirming he received "some hours of seconded time from staff" valued at over £57,000, which was properly declared.
Calls for Comprehensive Investigation
Several parliamentarians demanded a broader inquiry into Labour Together's operations. Rebecca Long Bailey, who chairs the National Union of Journalists parliamentary group, called for "stronger legislation to prevent the corporate surveillance of journalists" and an urgent independent investigation into both Labour Together and Apco Worldwide.
Labour MP Brian Leishman expressed particular concern, stating the Prime Minister had promised to clean up politics while the organization that helped him gain power "stand accused of running an orchestrated campaign to smear and discredit journalists." His comments resulted in intervention from Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Government Commitment to Press Freedom
Throughout the parliamentary exchange, Mr Jones emphasized the government's commitment to journalistic freedom, describing it as a "cornerstone of our democracy." He assured MPs that the Prime Minister would make a judgment based on Sir Laurie Magnus' advice, which would be made public through normal channels.
The investigation represents a significant test for the government's ethical standards framework, particularly regarding the relationship between think tanks, political donations, and press freedom. The outcome will be closely watched by both political observers and media organizations concerned about the protection of journalistic sources and practices.
