UK Minister Under Ethics Investigation Over Journalist Probe
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has ordered an ethics investigation into Josh Simons, a Cabinet Office minister, following allegations that he commissioned a public affairs company to investigate journalists whereas leading a pro-Labour suppose tank, Labour Together. The inquiry will determine whether Simons has breached the ministerial code.
Investigation Details
The Cabinet Office has completed a preliminary investigation to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, according to Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister. The findings have been referred to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministerial standards, for a formal review [Telegraph].
Background: Labour Together and APCO Worldwide
In 2023, while Simons headed Labour Together, the group paid APCO Worldwide over £30,000 to investigate Sunday Times journalists after the newspaper reported that the think tank had been fined for failing to disclose the source of its funding [BBC]. The investigation, codenamed “Operation Cannon,” reportedly included details about journalist Gabriel Pogrund’s Jewish beliefs and claims about his ideological position [BBC]. It also allegedly suggested Pogrund’s reporting could be aligned with Russian foreign policy objectives [BBC].
Simons’ Response
Josh Simons has stated he was “shocked” that APCO Worldwide “extended beyond the contract” by including “unnecessary information on Gabriel Pogrund” [Telegraph]. He has welcomed an investigation by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
Previous Concerns and Related Investigations
This investigation follows earlier scrutiny of Simons’ actions as head of Labour Together. The Cabinet Office is also probing Simons’ role in relation to the UK government’s digital identity program [The Register]. The Prime Minister has stated he was unaware of the investigation commissioned by Labour Together [The Register].
The report commissioned by Labour Together was partially shared with the National Cyber Security Centre, but did not lead to a full inquiry [The Register].