Minister Josh Simons faces probe for ordering journalist background checks in 2023

Minister Josh Simons is being investigated for hiring a PR firm to look into journalists' sources in 2023. This is a serious claim against a government minister.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK |

High Stakes Inquiry Targets Minister Amidst Journalist Dossier Claims

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a formal investigation into Minister Josh Simons. This action follows allegations that Simons, while leading the think tank Labour Together, commissioned a report to probe the backgrounds of journalists. The report, compiled by a public relations firm, purportedly sought to uncover how reporters obtained information regarding the think tank's funding. These events have raised significant concerns, leading to opposition calls for Simons's resignation and prompting questions about transparency and the use of official influence.

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Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The controversy centers around actions taken by Josh Simons, who previously headed Labour Together, a think tank closely allied with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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  • Early 2023: While Simons was chief executive of Labour Together, the organization commissioned APCO Worldwide, a public relations and lobbying firm. The stated purpose was to investigate the sources behind articles concerning Labour Together's funding.

  • During the Inquiry: Simons received a briefing on APCO's final report, which reportedly included findings about the journalists investigating the think tank. Emails indicate Simons pressed security officials to investigate the sourcing of a specific article.

  • Post-Reporting: Days after an article concerning secret donations to Labour Together appeared, Simons commissioned the report.

  • Post-January 2026: Morgan McSweeney, formerly Starmer's chief of staff and previously head of Labour Together, resigned from his position amidst a separate scandal involving diplomatic appointments. A source close to McSweeney stated he was not in charge of Labour Together when APCO's investigation was commissioned.

  • February 2026: Allegations regarding Labour Together's commission of a report investigating journalist backgrounds surfaced.

  • February 6th: Reports emerge detailing how a minister used a PR firm to investigate journalists' sources.

  • February 15th: Pressure mounts on Keir Starmer to dismiss Josh Simons over the 'spying on journalists' claims.

  • February 16th: The Prime Minister orders a Cabinet Office investigation into Josh Simons over the Labour Together claims. Opposition parties call for his resignation.

  • February 18th: The Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team begins its probe. It is understood the investigation will focus on Simons's actions.

  • February 23rd: Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally opens an investigation into Josh Simons over accusations of falsely linking journalists to pro-Russian propaganda. Despite the inquiry, a No. 10 spokesperson states Starmer has full confidence in Simons.

Evidence of Involvement and Official Response

Evidence suggests Josh Simons was involved in the commissioning and follow-up of the report into journalists.

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  • Emails indicate Simons was "pressing security officials to investigate the sourcing behind the article" even weeks after the report was received.

  • Simons reportedly received a briefing from APCO Worldwide on its final report concerning the journalists who investigated Labour Together.

  • Despite initial claims by Simons that he wanted to investigate a "suspected illegal hack" and that the matter had "nothing to do with UK journalists," subsequent reports and email evidence have fueled the investigation.

  • Simons has stated he "didn't know anything" about the investigation, a claim that contrasts with the reported email exchanges.

  • The Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team is conducting the investigation. Its focus is on Simons's actions, not Labour Together as an entity.

Labour Together's Role and Think Tank Operations

Labour Together is described as a pro-Starmer think tank that played a significant role in Keir Starmer's ascent to leadership.

Read More: UK Minister Inquiry on Journalist Actions Nears End, Press Safety Questions Remain

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  • The organization is noted for its close alliance with the Labour leader.

  • Sources close to Morgan McSweeney indicate that the decision to hire APCO was a matter for Labour Together, and McSweeney was not leading the organization at the time of the commission.

  • APCO's report allegedly made "un-evidenced claims" that the journalists in question used information from a suspected Russian hack to support their story.

Opposition and Parliamentary Scrutiny

Opposition parties have voiced strong criticism and demanded action.

  • Calls have been made for Josh Simons to step down while the investigation proceeds.

  • The SNP has stated these revelations raise questions about Starmer's judgment.

  • There have been demands for Starmer to sack Simons as a Cabinet Office minister.

  • Simons has been answering written parliamentary questions from MPs concerning the government's digital ID scheme, despite the ongoing probe.

Security and Intelligence Agency Involvement

The report compiled by APCO Worldwide was shared with security agencies.

  • A version of the report, excluding details on a specific journalist, was passed to GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre.

  • The National Cyber Security Centre decided against launching a full inquiry.

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

  • "The government's propriety and ethics team will be responsible for the Cabinet Office investigation and will examine Simons' actions rather than investigating Labour Together as a whole." (Source: BBC News)

  • "Starmer orders inquiry after Labour Together commissioned dossier on reporters." (Source: The Register)

Conclusion and Next Steps

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a formal investigation into Minister Josh Simons, focusing on allegations that while leading Labour Together, he commissioned a report to investigate journalists. The Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team is conducting this probe, examining Simons's actions. Evidence, including emails, suggests Simons's involvement in seeking information about journalists' sources. Opposition parties have called for Simons to resign, while the Prime Minister has publicly stated his confidence in the minister. The investigation will seek to clarify the extent of Simons's knowledge and directive in the commissioning and utilization of the report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Minister Josh Simons being investigated?
Minister Josh Simons is being investigated because he is accused of hiring a PR firm in 2023, when he led the think tank Labour Together, to look into how journalists got information about the group's funding. Emails suggest he pressed security officials to investigate the source of an article.
Q: When did Josh Simons commission the report into journalists?
The report into journalists' backgrounds was commissioned by Labour Together in early 2023, when Josh Simons was the chief executive. He reportedly received a briefing on the final report and pressed security officials about article sources weeks later.
Q: What was the purpose of the report commissioned by Labour Together?
The report commissioned by Labour Together, led by Josh Simons at the time, was to investigate the sources behind articles concerning the think tank's funding. APCO Worldwide, a PR firm, compiled the report, which allegedly made claims about journalists using information from a suspected Russian hack.
Q: What has Prime Minister Keir Starmer said about the investigation?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered a formal investigation into Minister Josh Simons by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team. Despite the probe, a spokesperson for Number 10 stated that Keir Starmer has full confidence in Josh Simons.
Q: What do opposition parties want to happen?
Opposition parties have strongly criticized Josh Simons and called for him to resign while the investigation takes place. Some have demanded that Keir Starmer sack Simons from his position as a Cabinet Office minister.
Q: Did the security agencies get involved with the report?
A version of the report compiled by APCO Worldwide was shared with GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre. However, the National Cyber Security Centre decided not to start a full inquiry based on the information provided.