A prominent Labour-aligned think tank, Labour Together, is facing scrutiny over allegations that it hired a public relations firm to investigate journalists who were reporting on its finances. The firm, APCO Worldwide, is said to have gathered information on reporters from publications including The Sunday Times and The Guardian, examining their personal and religious backgrounds, and attempting to identify their sources. This development has sparked debate about the relationship between political organizations, media, and the independence of journalism.
Timeline of Events and Key Actors
The reports concerning Labour Together's alleged actions center around events in 2023, with the full details emerging in early February 2026.
Labour Together: A think tank that played a significant role in Sir Keir Starmer's ascent to the leadership of the Labour Party. It is linked to Morgan McSweeney, who previously ran the organization.
APCO Worldwide: A public affairs and PR firm commissioned by Labour Together.
Journalists: Reporters from The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and other outlets who were investigating Labour Together's funding. Notably, Gabriel Pogrund and Paul Holden of The Sunday Times are mentioned.
Josh Simons: The chief executive of Labour Together at the time of the alleged commission. He has stated the firm was asked to look into a suspected illegal hack, not to investigate UK journalists.
Morgan McSweeney: Former head of Labour Together. Sources close to him indicate he was not involved in the decision to hire APCO as he had left the organization by then.
Evidence of the Investigation
Multiple reports detail the commissioning of APCO Worldwide by Labour Together:
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Sources have indicated to the BBC that APCO's report included details about journalist Gabriel Pogrund's Jewish beliefs and claims about his ideological stance.
A memo produced by APCO reportedly appeared designed to discredit journalist Paul Holden, who had collaborated on stories about Labour Together's finances.
Labour Together allegedly hired APCO to identify sources after stories about the think tank's failure to declare over £700,000 in donations.
Josh Simons, then CEO of Labour Together, is reported to have received a briefing from APCO on its final report, which included findings from an examination of journalists investigating the think tank.
Allegations of Discrediting and Personal Background Checks
The nature of the information gathered by APCO has raised particular concerns.
Personal and Religious Backgrounds
Reports suggest that the APCO investigation delved into the personal and religious backgrounds of journalists.
Specifically, information about Gabriel Pogrund's Jewish beliefs was reportedly included in the firm's report.
One report cited an alleged source claiming Pogrund's Jewishness was "odd" in relation to his political and ideological position, though this was reportedly a mischaracterization.
Attempts to Discredit Journalists
There are claims that APCO produced a memo aimed at discrediting journalist Paul Holden.
Holden had collaborated on stories concerning Labour Together's finances and authored a book critical of the think tank and Morgan McSweeney's role in Starmer's rise.
Explanations and Denials
Those involved have offered differing accounts or declined to comment.
Labour Together's Statement
Labour Together issued a statement asserting that it did not task APCO with investigating individuals.
The think tank stated its intention was limited to understanding how specific media narratives were formed.
Josh Simons' Defense
Josh Simons described claims that he sought to investigate journalists as "nonsense."
He stated that APCO was asked to look into a "suspected illegal hack" that he maintains was unrelated to UK journalists.
Morgan McSweeney's Position
Sources close to Morgan McSweeney indicated he was not involved in the decision to hire APCO, as he had departed Labour Together in 2020.
They emphasized that any questions regarding the hiring were a matter for Labour Together.
Broader Implications for Media and Politics
The situation has ignited a discussion about the ethical boundaries between political organizations and the press.
Press Freedom Concerns
Press freedom groups have expressed concern, viewing the situation as indicative of broader tensions between political bodies and media reporting.
Critics argue that think tanks, even those with political affiliations, should uphold ethical standards when engaging third parties, particularly when it could affect journalistic independence.
Calls for Clearer Boundaries
Advocates are calling for more defined guidelines and codes of conduct governing how think tanks and similar entities interact with journalists, especially through commissioned research.
The controversy highlights the complex intersection of politics, research, and media freedom, underscoring the need for ethical frameworks in a landscape where independent journalism and political advocacy frequently overlap.
Expert Analysis
John McDonnell, former shadow chancellor, has reportedly urged Labour's general secretary to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations.
The BBC understands that Morgan McSweeney was a former head of Labour Together.
Simons is described as being close to Prime Minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Westminster insiders have reportedly expressed shock at Labour Together's decision to hire a PR firm for such a purpose.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The allegations against Labour Together present a significant challenge to the organization and the Labour Party. The core of the issue lies in whether a political think tank commissioned a firm to investigate journalists who were scrutinizing its activities, including its funding and potential non-disclosure of donations.
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Key Findings: Reports indicate that Labour Together hired APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists and their sources. Information allegedly gathered included journalists' personal and religious backgrounds, and attempts were made to discredit some reporters.
Conflicting Narratives: While Labour Together claims the intent was to understand media narratives and Josh Simons speaks of a suspected hack, multiple sources suggest a direct investigation into journalists was undertaken. Morgan McSweeney denies direct involvement in the hiring decision due to his departure from the think tank.
Implications: The situation raises serious questions about transparency, journalistic independence, and the ethical conduct of political organizations. It has led to calls for inquiries and clearer ethical guidelines.
Next Steps: Given the gravity of the allegations, further investigation by independent bodies and a formal response from the Labour Party leadership appear to be warranted. The clarity provided by Labour Together's statement regarding their limited intention offers a starting point, but the details emerging from multiple sources suggest a need for deeper examination.
Sources
BBC News: Labour think tank commissioned firm that ended up investigating journalist
Context: This is the primary source for the initial allegations, providing details on the content of the investigation and quotes from involved parties.
The Guardian: Minister commissioned investigation of journalists looking into Labour thinktank
Context: This article corroborates the story, focusing on Josh Simons's role and his defense, and linking Simons to Morgan McSweeney.
Democracy For Sale (Substack): BREAKING: McSweeney’s think tank paid PR firm to investigate journalists
Context: This report is credited with breaking the story, detailing the hiring of APCO Worldwide and the potential motives behind the investigation, including discrediting a specific journalist.
LBC: Labour-linked think tank accused of paying firm to investigate journalists while being run by current MP
Link: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/labour-think-tank-journalist-investigation-5HjdRy52/
Context: This article reiterates the core allegations, mentioning APCO's alleged memo to discredit Paul Holden and the think tank's lack of comment.
Financial Times: UK think-tank close to Labour paid firm to identify source of leaks to media
Link: https://www.ft.com/content/dca0467c-f64e-4ece-badb-387711dcffdc
Context: Provides a concise summary of the core allegation regarding a Labour-linked think tank paying a firm to investigate leaks to the media.
The National: Labour think tank linked to Morgan McSweeney 'paid firm to investigate journalists'
Link: https://www.thenational.scot/news/25831621.labour-think-tank-paid-firm-investigate-journalists/
Context: This report covers the main allegations, including the hiring of APCO Worldwide and Morgan McSweeney's alleged lack of direct involvement.
The English Chronicle (via AOL): Labour Think Tank Commissioned Firm That Investigated Journalist
Context: This article presents a more analytical view, discussing the ethical implications and criticisms from press freedom groups, alongside Labour Together's official statement.
BBC News: Cabinet office minister used PR firm to investigate journalists' sources
Context: This report links the investigation to Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons and provides his specific denial, framing the commission as an inquiry into a suspected illegal hack.
Internewscast Journal: Labour Activists Under Fire for Hiring PR Firm to Investigate Journalists' Backgrounds
Context: This article highlights the scrutiny on Labour activists and the specific nature of the investigation into journalists' backgrounds, including alleged details about their religious identity.
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