Full Breakdown
Labour Minister Under Scrutiny for Intelligence Files on Journalists
2/7/2026, 1:44:41 PM
Allegations of Surveillance on Journalists
Josh Simons, a Labour minister and former chair of Labour Together, has come under scrutiny for receiving intelligence files on journalists investigating the thinktank that supported Keir Starmer's rise to leadership. The documents, reportedly compiled by the PR firm APCO Worldwide, targeted journalists from outlets including the Guardian and the Sunday Times, who had reported on irregularities in Labour Together's funding. The files aimed to identify the journalists' sources and included a briefing for Simons on the findings related to these investigations.
The situation has intensified calls for accountability within the Labour Party, particularly directed at Simons and Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, who is alleged to have been closely involved in the operation. The investigation into journalists was first highlighted by the Substack publication Democracy for Sale, which reported that Labour Together paid APCO at least £30,000 for its services.
Background on Labour Together's Funding Issues
Concerns regarding Labour Together's funding emerged in February 2021 when the thinktank reported itself to the Electoral Commission for late reporting of £740,000 in donations, resulting in a fine of £14,250 in September 2021. Allegations surfaced that McSweeney failed to declare donations between 2017 and 2020, which were purportedly used to support Starmer's leadership campaign. Despite these allegations, McSweeney has not publicly commented.
The APCO investigation was initiated due to fears that information published about Labour Together might have stemmed from a data breach. Internal reports named several journalists as "significant persons of interest," and the firm sought to ascertain the sources of their information.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
The revelations have prompted significant backlash from within the Labour Party. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell described the surveillance of journalists as "truly shocking," urging for a thorough investigation into the matter. Labour MP Kim Johnson stated that the findings indicate a "rotten" operation under McSweeney, while other MPs have called for a complete overhaul of leadership in Downing Street.
Some Labour MPs have expressed that retaining McSweeney could jeopardize Starmer's leadership, with one MP asserting that if the prime minister wishes to regain support, he must remove McSweeney from his position. However, there are also voices within the party defending McSweeney, arguing that he has been instrumental in the party's recent successes.
Official Responses and Future Implications
While Downing Street has refrained from commenting on McSweeney's involvement with APCO, Starmer has publicly expressed confidence in his chief of staff, stating that McSweeney is an essential part of his team. The ongoing scrutiny of both Simons and McSweeney raises questions about the future of leadership within the Labour Party, especially as the party approaches critical elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If the reports of [Labour Together’s] activities in surveilling journalists are accurate it is clear that this organisation and its operators and controllers are bringing our party into disrepute.” — John McDonnell, Former Shadow Chancellor
- “We’re told the adults are in the room. If this is their idea of leadership, No 10 needs gutting from top to bottom.” — Kim Johnson, Labour MP
- “One Labour MP said: “If the prime minister wants to regain the support of the parliamentary Labour party, he has got to get Morgan the hell out of the party.” — Anonymous Labour MP
The situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for the leadership dynamics within the Labour Party as it navigates these controversies.
