Labour minister Josh Simons resigns amid probe into smear campaign against journalists
Labor MP Josh Simons has dramatically resigned amid an ethics investigation into allegations he paid the Labor think tank he previously ran for an investigation into journalists.
Mr Simons said he was resigning “because it was a distraction from the important business of government”.
In that role he succeeded Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s controversial former chief of staff, as director of the Labor Together think tank and faced accusations that he employed PR firm APCO to “defame” journalists.
Mr Simons has always denied claims that APCO was appointed solely to deal with the leak of confidential information from Labor Together but demands for his removal continue to mount.
As Sir Keir’s position weakened further after a humiliating third place finish in the Gorton and Denton byelections, MPs on the left of the party were using the issue to put more pressure on the Prime Minister.
The think tank, run by Sir Keir’s former private secretary Morgan McSweeney, was central to the attempt to wrest Labor back from Jeremy Corbyn’s left-wing leadership and later install Sir Keir as leader.
But he is accused of trying to smear journalists investigating his donations. Now Labor MPs Richard Burgon and John McDonnell have confirmed to The Independent that they have requested all documents relating to them from both the think tank and APCO.
Mr Simons was cleared by ethics counsel Lurie Magnus, but still said his continued involvement in the government was a “distraction”.
In his resignation letter, Mr Simons said: “I welcome Sir Laurie Magnus’ acquittal of me of breaching the Ministerial Code. “It was important for me to complete this process to prove that I have acted with integrity and that the statements I have made to the public are true and honest.
“Nevertheless, it is clear that my remaining in office has now led to a distraction from the important work of this government. Therefore, it is with sadness and regret that I submit my resignation.”
He emphasized that the work of journalists “keeps our democracy alive.” They hold those in powerful positions to account with rigor and impartiality. “In an age where trust in politics is low, anything perceived as an attack on their integrity and independence deserves a thorough investigation.”
But he added: “As I have said many times, I never sought to denigrate these newspaper reporters. I have not been able to go into detail about these allegations while this investigation is ongoing.”
