Labour minister Josh Simons faces calls to step down after reports emerge he paid a PR firm to smear journalists while leading think-tank Labour Together in the United Kingdom

Josh Simons, a Labour minister, is facing growing scrutiny after allegations emerged that he hired a public relations firm to discredit journalists.

The controversy centers on actions linked to his previous leadership of the think-tank Labour Together, which is credited with helping Sir Keir Starmer secure the Labour leadership.

Political opponents and media advocates are now calling for him to step aside while the matter is investigated, raising questions about transparency and ethics in politics.

Despite the escalating pressure, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly expressed confidence in Simons, insisting he was unaware of the alleged attempt to undermine two Sunday Times journalists.

This stance has not quelled criticism from other political parties or the media.

Growing Pressure to Step Aside

Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake publicly urged Simons to recuse himself from his Cabinet Office duties, which include responsibility for inquiries policy, while the investigation takes place.

Hollinrake emphasized the need for clarity about who is leading the inquiry and the precise terms of reference, calling for a transparent process to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

Similarly, Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesman, expressed shock at reports of smear tactics carried out by a party that promised cleaner politics.

She argued that Simons should temporarily step down to prevent any conflicts while the investigation unfolds, highlighting the potential threat to independent journalism.

What the Allegations Say

Before entering Parliament in 2024, Josh Simons directed Labour Together, a think-tank credited with boosting Starmer’s profile and helping secure his leadership.

Reports now reveal that in late 2023, Simons allegedly commissioned APCO, a U.S.-based public affairs firm, to investigate how The Sunday Times discovered that Labour Together had failed to declare £730,000 in donations to the Labour Party.

The £36,000 report produced by the firm reportedly painted two journalists as part of a Russian effort to damage Starmer’s reputation and included personal, false claims about one reporter in particular, Gabriel Pogrund.

These revelations have intensified debate over ethical boundaries, transparency, and the relationship between political strategists and the media.

Government Response and Cabinet Office Investigation

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that the Cabinet Office is now examining the case, stressing that press freedom must be protected throughout the inquiry.

Starmer acknowledged he had no prior knowledge of the investigation conducted by Simons and reiterated that it was right for the Cabinet Office to investigate the allegations.

The inquiry will be carried out by the Propriety and Ethics team, whose role is to advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary on upholding high standards of conduct across government departments.

Downing Street later reiterated that the Prime Minister retains confidence in Simons, even as questions mount about potential conflicts of interest.

Implications for Labour Together and the Party

The scandal has prompted wider scrutiny of Labour Together’s ongoing relationship with the Labour Party.

Critics have raised concerns about the undeclared donations and the think-tank’s influence on political strategy.

Journalists and press advocates warn that targeted attacks on the media, if proven true, could undermine public trust in both political institutions and independent reporting.

The controversy also highlights the ethical challenges politicians face when they move between think-tanks and government roles, particularly when transparency and accountability are at stake.

What’s Next?

The Cabinet Office investigation is expected to determine the extent of Simons’ involvement and whether any ethical boundaries were breached.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum are watching closely, and the outcome could lead to ministerial changes, either temporary or permanent.

The Labour Party may also conduct its own internal review of Labour Together’s finances and operations, which could influence the party’s governance and approach to future donations oversight.

Summary

Labour minister Josh Simons is at the center of a growing scandal involving allegations that he commissioned a PR firm to smear journalists while he led Labour Together.

The investigation follows revelations about undeclared donations worth £730,000 to the Labour Party and personal attacks on reporters.

Political opponents have called for Simons to step aside temporarily to prevent conflicts of interest, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in him.

The Cabinet Office’s Propriety and Ethics team will now examine the facts, with potential consequences for both Simons’ ministerial role and Labour Together’s ongoing relationship with the party.