Story perspectives

Labour Together Faces Backlash Over Journalist Investigation

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Documents show Labour Together hired APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists probing its funding.
Josh Simons, a Cabinet Office minister, commissioned the inquiry while chairing Labour Together.
The inquiry targeted Guardian and Sunday Times journalists to uncover sources on undeclared donations over £700,000.
Labour MP John McDonnell condemned the actions as shocking and called for an inquiry.
The Electoral Commission fined Labour Together £14,250 in 2021 for late reporting of donations.

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Story summary

Documents show Labour Together hired APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists probing its funding.
Josh Simons, a Cabinet Office minister, commissioned the inquiry while chairing Labour Together.
The inquiry targeted Guardian and Sunday Times journalists to uncover sources on undeclared donations over £700,000.
Labour MP John McDonnell condemned the actions as shocking and called for an inquiry.
The Electoral Commission fined Labour Together £14,250 in 2021 for late reporting of donations.