A think tank closely connected to the Labour Party, Labour Together, is under intense examination following reports that it commissioned a public relations firm to investigate journalists. The investigations reportedly focused on identifying sources of information for news stories concerning Labour Together's financial dealings. These allegations have raised significant concerns about journalistic integrity and the methods employed to manage public scrutiny.
Background of Allegations
Reports indicate that Labour Together hired APCO Worldwide, a public affairs firm, to conduct these investigations. The scope of the work allegedly included examining the personal and religious backgrounds of journalists, such as Gabriel Pogrund of The Sunday Times, and attempting to discredit others, like South African journalist Paul Holden. This occurred around the time stories emerged about Labour Together's failure to declare over £700,000 in donations.
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Labour Together's role: A think tank with close ties to senior Labour figures.
APCO Worldwide: A US-based public affairs and lobbying firm reportedly hired by Labour Together.
Journalists targeted: Reporters from The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and other outlets.
Focus of investigation: Identifying sources for stories related to undisclosed donations.
Additional activities: Reports suggest efforts to probe personal details and discredit journalists.
Key Figures and Roles
Several individuals are central to these unfolding allegations:
Josh Simons: Served as the chief executive of Labour Together during the period these investigations are said to have taken place. He is also currently a Cabinet Office Minister.
Morgan McSweeney: A former head of Labour Together. Sources close to him state he was not responsible for the decision to hire APCO.
Gabriel Pogrund: A Sunday Times journalist whose personal and religious background was reportedly examined.
Paul Holden: A South African journalist who collaborated on stories with The Sunday Times. An APCO memo was allegedly intended to discredit him.
Nature of the Investigations
Evidence presented suggests a multifaceted approach by APCO Worldwide:
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Source Identification: The primary objective appears to have been uncovering the individuals providing information to journalists.
Background Checks: Investigations allegedly delved into journalists' personal lives, including their religious beliefs and ideological stances.
Discrediting Efforts: There are claims that APCO produced materials aimed at undermining the credibility of specific journalists.
Narrative Control: Reports suggest APCO outlined plans to use gathered information to create narratives that would counter future criticisms of Labour Together.
Reactions and Inquiries
The allegations have prompted calls for internal investigations:
John McDonnell, former shadow chancellor, has reportedly called for an independent inquiry into the matter within the Labour Party.
The Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA) has launched an investigation into APCO's work for Labour Together.
Both Labour Together and APCO Worldwide have largely declined to comment on the specific allegations, though some sources close to individuals involved have offered explanations regarding decision-making processes.
Expert Perspectives
Insights into the implications of such actions are varied. The core tension revolves around the balance between an organization's right to understand its public image and the fundamental right of journalists to report without undue pressure or surveillance. The use of PR firms for these purposes raises questions about ethical boundaries in political and corporate communications.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Labour Together's alleged commissioning of APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists is a developing issue. The core of the controversy lies in the reported methods used, which reportedly extended beyond standard public relations to include personal inquiries and efforts to discredit reporters.
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Key Concern: The potential infringement on journalistic freedom and the integrity of newsgathering.
Accountability: Questions are being raised about who made the decision to hire APCO and who bears responsibility.
Ongoing Investigations: Formal inquiries by the PRCA and potential internal party investigations are underway.
Transparency: The lack of public comment from the primary parties involved maintains a degree of opacity around the precise details and justifications for the investigations.
The outcomes of these inquiries and further revelations will be crucial in determining the full extent of these actions and their consequences.
Sources Used:
Context: Reports directly on the Labour think tank commissioning investigations into journalists, detailing aspects of the firm's work and specific journalists targeted.
LBC: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/labour-think-tank-journalist-investigation-5HjdRy52/
Context: Provides additional details on the allegations, including the potential intent to discredit journalist Paul Holden and the involvement of APCO Worldwide.
Democracy For Sale (Substack): https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-ally-josh-simons-apco-labour-together-journalists
Context: Focuses on Josh Simons's connection to the events and highlights the PRCA's investigation into APCO.
The Guardian: https://www.guardian.com/politics/2026/feb/06/labour-thinktank-close-to-morgan-mcsweeney-allegedly-paid-firm-to-investigate-journalists
Context: Details the alleged hiring of APCO by a think tank close to Morgan McSweeney and includes calls for an inquiry from John McDonnell.
Financial Times (FT): https://www.ft.com/content/dca0467c-f64e-4ece-badb-387711dcffdc
Context: Mentions the core allegation of a UK think-tank close to Labour paying a firm to identify sources of leaks. (Note: Summary was brief, indicating a paywall, but the core allegation is present).
Britbrief: https://britbrief.co.uk/politics/scandals/minister-accused-of-hiring-pr-firm-to-investigate-journalist-sources.html
Context: Places Josh Simons at the center of the claims, highlighting his current ministerial role and previous position at Labour Together. It also includes a quote attributed to Simons regarding journalists' work.
Nation.Cymru: https://nation.cymru/news/labour-linked-think-tank-accused-of-paying-firm-to-investigate-journalists/
Context: Repeats the core accusation against the Labour-linked think tank, specifically mentioning APCO Worldwide and the journalists targeted.
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