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Labour's Starmer Launches Probe into Minister Simons' Actions

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer initiated an investigation into Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons over allegations he commissioned a PR firm to probe journalists.
The allegations say Simons, while leading Labour Together, paid £36,000 to Apco Worldwide to probe journalists covering Labour Together's £730,000 donation disclosures.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat officials have called for Simons' resignation.
Independent ministerial standards adviser Laurie Magnus will review the case.

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Story summary

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer initiated an investigation into Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons over allegations he commissioned a PR firm to probe journalists.
The allegations say Simons, while leading Labour Together, paid £36,000 to Apco Worldwide to probe journalists covering Labour Together's £730,000 donation disclosures.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat officials have called for Simons' resignation.
Independent ministerial standards adviser Laurie Magnus will review the case.