Full Breakdown
Josh Simons Resigns Amid Smear Campaign Allegations
2/28/2026, 8:27:17 PM
Resignation of Josh Simons
Labour MP Josh Simons has resigned from his position as a Cabinet Office minister following allegations of a smear campaign against journalists linked to his previous role as director of the Labour Together think tank. His resignation comes amid an ethics investigation into claims that Labour Together paid the public relations firm APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists who reported on the think tank's undisclosed political donations, totaling £730,000. Simons stated that his continued presence in the government had become "a distraction from this government’s important work."
Background of the Controversy
Simons, who succeeded Morgan McSweeney as director of Labour Together, faced mounting pressure after it was revealed that APCO had produced a report that included unfounded allegations about journalists, including Gabriel Pogrund of The Sunday Times. The report allegedly linked these journalists to a "pro-Kremlin" network, a claim that has been widely disputed. Despite being cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code by ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, Simons acknowledged that the situation had caused reputational damage to the government.
Official Statements & Responses
In his resignation letter, Simons expressed regret, stating, "It is clear that my remaining in office has now become a distraction from this Government’s important work." He emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity, asserting that "the work of journalists sustains our democracy." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accepted Simons' resignation, thanking him for his contributions and acknowledging the difficult decision to step aside. Starmer noted that Magnus found no breach of the Ministerial Code but highlighted the potential reputational damage of Simons' continued role.
Criticism & Opposition
The resignation has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart, who argued that the Prime Minister should have dismissed Simons earlier. Over 20 Labour MPs have called for a fully independent investigation into Labour Together's actions, expressing concerns about the integrity of any internal inquiry. Rachael Maskell, a Labour MP, emphasized the need to defend journalistic freedom and criticized Labour Together for allegedly undermining it.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Simons has consistently denied any intent to smear journalists, the controversy surrounding the APCO report and its implications for press freedom remains unresolved. The investigation into the claims has raised questions about the relationship between Labour Together and the journalists it targeted, as well as the broader implications for trust in political institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nonetheless, it is clear that my remaining in office has now become a distraction from this Government’s important work.” — Josh Simons, Former Cabinet Office Minister
- “ He insisted that the work of journalists “sustains our democracy.” — Josh Simons, Former Cabinet Office Minister
- “In his response to Mr Simons the prime minister said: “I want to express my thanks for the commitment, focus, and energy you have brought to ministerial office.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- “'Labour waited to refer the case to the Independent Adviser to delay judgement until after the by-election (fat lot of good that did).” — Alex Burghart, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister
The resignation of Josh Simons highlights ongoing tensions within the Labour Party and raises critical questions about the treatment of journalists and the integrity of political processes.
