Full Breakdown
Allegations Against Josh Simons: Investigation into Journalistic Sources
2/8/2026, 3:10:22 AM
Core Allegations Against Josh Simons
Josh Simons, a cabinet office minister and chief executive of the pro-Starmer think tank Labour Together, faces accusations of employing the global advisory firm APCO Worldwide to investigate the sources of journalists. This investigation was reportedly initiated to uncover how details about Labour Together’s funding were disclosed in a Sunday Times article. APCO Worldwide confirmed its role in examining the sourcing and origins of the article, as well as future work by two political journalists, under a contract that has been scrutinized by various media outlets.
Background on Labour Together's Funding Issues
Labour Together has been under scrutiny for failing to declare over £700,000 in donations between 2017 and 2020. In September 2021, the organization was fined £14,250 by the Electoral Commission for late reporting of these donations. The investigative website Democracy for Sale first reported the allegations surrounding Simons and APCO Worldwide, highlighting the think tank's response to media coverage of its funding discrepancies.
Details of the Investigation
According to the leaked contract, APCO Worldwide was paid at least £30,000 in 2023 to conduct the investigation. The firm reportedly identified two potential sources for the Sunday Times article: a leak from the Electoral Commission or the think tank itself, and information obtained from a 2023 hack of the Electoral Commission. APCO's briefings also indicated that other journalists were considered "significant persons of interest," and discussions included strategies to "leverage" information against them. Additionally, a memo produced by APCO appeared to target South African journalist Paul Holden, who contributed to the Sunday Times story.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the allegations, Simons stated on social media platform X that the claims regarding his intent to investigate journalists are "nonsense." He clarified that he had asked APCO Worldwide to investigate a suspected illegal hack, which he asserted had no connection to UK journalists from the Sunday Times or the Guardian. Simons emphasized the importance of journalistic work for democracy, asserting that APCO's investigation did not fully resolve the matter.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of a government minister hiring a lobbying firm to investigate journalists. The actions of Simons and Labour Together have been viewed as an attempt to undermine press freedom and intimidate reporters who investigate political funding. The lack of response from Labour Together and APCO Worldwide to media inquiries further fuels skepticism regarding the transparency of their actions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Simons maintains that the investigation was unrelated to journalists, the details surrounding APCO's briefings and the identification of journalists as "persons of interest" raise questions about the true nature of the investigation. The absence of comments from Labour Together and APCO Worldwide leaves gaps in understanding their perspectives on the allegations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Those who know me know I think the work of journalists is vital to our democracy.” — Josh Simons, Cabinet Office Minister
- “Mr Simons said on social media platform X, that the claims that he wanted to investigate journalists are "nonsense".” — Josh Simons, Cabinet Office Minister
