A Cabinet Office investigation has been initiated following allegations that a Labour-linked thinktank, Labour Together, commissioned a report that examined journalists. The probe, ordered by Sir Keir Starmer, aims to establish the facts surrounding the group's actions and ensure the freedom of the press is protected. The situation has drawn criticism and calls for wider inquiries from various political figures.
Political Fallout and Official Inquiry
The core of the matter revolves around claims that Labour Together paid a public affairs firm, APCO Worldwide, a sum of at least £30,000 to investigate journalists. This investigation, commissioned in late 2023 and delivered in early 2024, reportedly included examining the background and motivations of reporters researching the thinktank's funding sources. One report allegedly delved into a journalist's Jewish beliefs and ideological stance, drawing particular attention.
Order for Investigation: Sir Keir Starmer has publicly stated that the Cabinet Office will conduct an investigation into the allegations. He emphasized that he was unaware of the specific investigation and stressed the importance of establishing facts and protecting press freedom.
Cabinet Office Role: The government's propriety and ethics team within the Cabinet Office is understood to be responsible for conducting this inquiry.
Labour Together's Stance: Alison Phillips, CEO of Labour Together, confirmed the commissioning of the work, stating it was to "investigate the sourcing, funding and origins" of a particular Sunday Times story. She also noted that APCO's report contained circumstantial evidence of hacking from the Electoral Commission.
Scrutiny of Key Figures and Past Actions
The allegations have brought several individuals and the past operations of Labour Together under intense scrutiny. The thinktank itself has a history of regulatory issues.
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Josh Simons: A minister at Labour Together, Josh Simons, is reported to have received a briefing on APCO's final report. He is described as being close to Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer and a former head of Labour Together.
Morgan McSweeney: His role in the operation to gather material on journalists is also under examination. Sources close to McSweeney, however, state that the decision to hire APCO was a matter for Labour Together.
Previous Fines: Labour Together was fined £14,250 in September 2021 for late reporting of donations totaling £730,000 between 2017 and 2020. The group had referred itself to the Electoral Commission at that time.
Conflicting Views on the Investigation
While an official inquiry is underway, there are varying perspectives on its scope and sufficiency.
Defense of Press Freedom
"As I said, the Cabinet Office will also be looking into the facts of this case, but it is absolutely essential that we protect the freedom of the press." - Sir Keir Starmer
"Personally, and as a Government as a whole, we absolutely value the freedom of the press… the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any democracy." - Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary
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The importance of press freedom has been repeatedly stressed by government figures, underscoring the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Calls for Independent Inquiry and Skepticism
"We need to know who knew about this inside Labour." - John McDonnell, Labour backbencher
John McDonnell, a veteran Labour MP and former shadow chancellor, has expressed skepticism about a Cabinet Office-led investigation. He has previously called for an independent inquiry into the affair. The Conservatives have also written to Labour's chair, Anna Turley, requesting an immediate investigation into the roles of individuals involved with Labour Together.
Evidence and Circumstantial Details
The evidence presented centers on the commissioning of the report by Labour Together and its content.
Payment: Labour Together paid APCO Worldwide at least £30,000.
Report Content: The report is understood to have included information about a journalist's Jewish beliefs and claims about their ideological position. It also reportedly examined the "backgrounds and motivations" of journalists.
Timing: The decision to commission the work was made in late 2023, with the report received in early 2024.
Hack Allegation: APCO's report claimed there was circumstantial evidence that sensitive Labour Together information was hacked from the Electoral Commission.
Conclusion and Implications
The Cabinet Office investigation is the immediate consequence of the allegations concerning Labour Together's actions. The investigation aims to clarify the extent of the group's involvement in probing journalists and to assess any breaches of standards.
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Fact-Finding Mission: The primary objective is to establish all relevant facts pertaining to the commissioning and content of the report.
Press Freedom: A central theme is the government's commitment to safeguarding the freedom of the press, which is deemed a fundamental aspect of democracy.
Political Scrutiny: The situation has intensified political scrutiny on Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Together, and individuals connected to both, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the party and its associated organizations.
The Express: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2171359/keir-starmer-probe-labour-together
The Mirror: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-orders-cabinet-office-36729643
The Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/keir-starmer-cabinet-office-liz-kendall-labour-prime-minister-b1271198.html
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/06/labour-minister-intelligence-files-gathered-on-journalists-josh-simons
LBC: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/starmer-role-labour-investigation-journalists-5HjdSN62/
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