Starmer facing calls for inquiry into Labour thinktank’s investigation of journalists

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Ben Quinn and Henry DyerFebruary 15, 2026 at 04:48 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Keir Starmer is facing calls for an inquiry regarding a report commissioned by Josh Simons, then director of Labour Together, a thinktank that helped propel Starmer to power. The report, created by PR firm Apco Worldwide in 2023, investigated journalists looking into Labour Together, specifically focusing on the sourcing and funding of a Sunday Times report. The Apco report allegedly made baseless claims about journalists, including Gabriel Pogrund, and was informally shared with Labour figures in 2024. The report suggested a Russian connection to leaked emails and referenced Pogrund's Jewish background. Simons claims he was surprised by the report's content and asked for information to be removed before passing it to GCHQ. The Public Relations and Communications Association has launched an investigation into Apco's research.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

GCHQ 30% Kremlin 40% Morgan McSweeney 40% Electoral Commission 40% Tom Harper ×250% Harry Yorke 50% The Sunday Times ×460% Gabriel Pogrund ×260% Apco Worldwide ×470% Labour Together ×470% Josh Simons ×780% Keir Starmer ×290%

Keywords

labour thinktank investigation 80% journalist smear campaign 70% cabinet office inquiry 60% labour together thinktank 50% gchq intelligence agency 40%

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Very Negative

Score: -0.60

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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