Labour Think Tank's Investigation of Journalists Sparks Controversy
Published 6 February 2026
Highlights
- Josh Simons, now a Cabinet Office minister, commissioned APCO Worldwide in 2023 to investigate journalists probing Labour Together's funding.
- Labour Together was fined £14,250 in 2021 for late reporting of over £700,000 in donations, which were not declared between 2017 and 2020.
- The investigation aimed to uncover sources behind media reports on the think tank, raising concerns about press freedom.
- Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's chief of staff, was previously involved with Labour Together, but denies involvement in the investigation.
- Labour MP John McDonnell has called for an inquiry into the think tank's activities, citing potential reputational damage to the party.
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Rewritten Article
Labour Think Tank's Investigation of Journalists Sparks Controversy
A recent revelation that a prominent Labour think tank, Labour Together, commissioned a PR firm to investigate journalists has ignited a political storm. The investigation, ordered by Josh Simons, now a Cabinet Office minister, sought to identify the sources behind media reports scrutinizing the think tank's funding.
Background and Investigation Details
In 2023, APCO Worldwide was hired by Labour Together to probe journalists from outlets such as The Guardian and The Sunday Times. The investigation focused on uncovering the origins of reports about the think tank's failure to declare over £700,000 in donations between 2017 and 2020. This financial oversight led to a £14,250 fine by the Electoral Commission in 2021.
The leaked contract revealed APCO's intention to "establish who and what are behind the coordinated attacks on Labour Together," employing open-source intelligence and digital forensics. The firm aimed to create narratives to counteract future media scrutiny.
Political Implications and Reactions
The involvement of Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's chief of staff, has drawn significant attention. Although McSweeney was not leading Labour Together when the investigation was commissioned, his close ties to the think tank have raised questions. McSweeney denies any involvement in the decision to hire APCO.
Labour MP John McDonnell has expressed outrage, describing the investigation into journalists as "truly shocking." He has urged the party to launch an inquiry, warning that the activities of Labour Together could tarnish the party's reputation.
Press Freedom Concerns
The investigation has sparked concerns about press freedom and the potential chilling effect on journalists. Simons, defending his actions, stated that the investigation was intended to address a suspected illegal hack, unrelated to UK journalists.
Response from Key Figures
Despite requests for comment, Labour Together and APCO Worldwide have remained silent. A government source indicated that the claims are under review. Meanwhile, the political fallout continues to unfold, with calls for accountability and transparency.
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Scenario Analysis
The unfolding controversy surrounding Labour Together's investigation of journalists could have significant political ramifications. If further evidence emerges linking senior Labour figures to the investigation, it may lead to increased scrutiny and potential resignations. The situation also highlights the delicate balance between political strategy and press freedom, with potential implications for future interactions between political entities and the media.
As the story develops, the Labour Party may face pressure to distance itself from Labour Together to preserve its public image. Additionally, this incident could prompt broader discussions about the ethical boundaries of political investigations and the protection of journalistic sources.
A recent revelation that a prominent Labour think tank, Labour Together, commissioned a PR firm to investigate journalists has ignited a political storm. The investigation, ordered by Josh Simons, now a Cabinet Office minister, sought to identify the sources behind media reports scrutinizing the think tank's funding.
Background and Investigation Details
In 2023, APCO Worldwide was hired by Labour Together to probe journalists from outlets such as The Guardian and The Sunday Times. The investigation focused on uncovering the origins of reports about the think tank's failure to declare over £700,000 in donations between 2017 and 2020. This financial oversight led to a £14,250 fine by the Electoral Commission in 2021.
The leaked contract revealed APCO's intention to "establish who and what are behind the coordinated attacks on Labour Together," employing open-source intelligence and digital forensics. The firm aimed to create narratives to counteract future media scrutiny.
Political Implications and Reactions
The involvement of Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's chief of staff, has drawn significant attention. Although McSweeney was not leading Labour Together when the investigation was commissioned, his close ties to the think tank have raised questions. McSweeney denies any involvement in the decision to hire APCO.
Labour MP John McDonnell has expressed outrage, describing the investigation into journalists as "truly shocking." He has urged the party to launch an inquiry, warning that the activities of Labour Together could tarnish the party's reputation.
Press Freedom Concerns
The investigation has sparked concerns about press freedom and the potential chilling effect on journalists. Simons, defending his actions, stated that the investigation was intended to address a suspected illegal hack, unrelated to UK journalists.
Response from Key Figures
Despite requests for comment, Labour Together and APCO Worldwide have remained silent. A government source indicated that the claims are under review. Meanwhile, the political fallout continues to unfold, with calls for accountability and transparency.
What this might mean
The unfolding controversy surrounding Labour Together's investigation of journalists could have significant political ramifications. If further evidence emerges linking senior Labour figures to the investigation, it may lead to increased scrutiny and potential resignations. The situation also highlights the delicate balance between political strategy and press freedom, with potential implications for future interactions between political entities and the media.
As the story develops, the Labour Party may face pressure to distance itself from Labour Together to preserve its public image. Additionally, this incident could prompt broader discussions about the ethical boundaries of political investigations and the protection of journalistic sources.
