Labour Together's Controversial Tactics Under Scrutiny

The Labour Together thinktank, influential in shaping the Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership, is facing serious allegations regarding its tactics to discredit journalists investigating its financial practices. A report commissioned by Labour Together from the US public affairs firm Apco, authored by Tom Harper, scrutinized journalists involved in a 2023 Sunday Times article that revealed £730,000 in undeclared donations to the thinktank. The report, which lacked evidence, suggested that the journalists may have obtained their information through Russian hacking, and has since led to inquiries into Guardian reporter Henry Dyer.

The GuardianLabour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government

Labour Together was established in 2015 by Labour MP Jon Cruddas to bridge divides within the party during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. However, under Morgan McSweeney, who resigned as Starmer's chief of staff amid controversy, the thinktank shifted focus towards defeating Corbyn's influence. This included securing substantial funding from wealthy donors, which remained undisclosed until inquiries by the Electoral Commission revealed significant financial irregularities.

Labour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government

Josh Simons, who succeeded McSweeney as director of Labour Together and is now a Cabinet Office minister, played a pivotal role in commissioning the Apco report. Tom Harper, a senior director at Apco, has been accused of investigating journalists, including Dyer, in a manner that some critics describe as a smear campaign. Simons has faced calls for resignation following revelations of his actions, including forwarding unsubstantiated allegations to the National Cyber Security Centre.

The Guardian

Critics argue that the tactics employed by Labour Together represent a troubling shift in the political culture of the Labour Party. The use of private investigations to silence journalistic scrutiny raises concerns about transparency and accountability in political finance. Observers note that such actions could undermine democratic principles, as they may deter journalists from investigating powerful political entities.

Labour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government

A spokesperson for Simons has denied the allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that Labour Together commissioned the Apco report to investigate the information provided by journalist Paul Holden. However, the lack of evidence supporting the claims made in the report has led to widespread skepticism and calls for accountability.

The Guardian

The controversy surrounding Labour Together and its tactics is ongoing, with investigations by the Public Relations and Communications Association into Apco's conduct. The political ramifications for Simons and Labour Together are significant, as calls for his resignation continue to grow amid the fallout from the scandal.

The Guardian

• “These claims are untrue.” — Spokesperson for Josh Simons

The Guardian

• “Democratic politics depends on investigative journalism.” — Paul Holden, Journalist

Labour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government

• “The threat that national security bodies might be drawn, even indirectly, into a dispute about party funding casts a long shadow.” — Analysis on the implications of the scandal

Labour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government

• “Labour Together commissioned Apco to investigate the information Paul Holden obtained for his book, as has repeatedly been made clear.” — Spokesperson for Josh Simons

The Guardian

This unfolding scandal highlights the complexities and challenges facing the Labour Party as it navigates internal conflicts and external scrutiny, raising critical questions about its future direction and commitment to democratic values.

Labour Together’s Smear Operation Made This Government