Summary
The prime minister has asked an ethics adviser to investigate Minister Josh Simons over actions taken by the think tank he once led, Labour Together. This follows a report that the think tank allegedly investigated journalists, which some viewed as an attempt to intimidate them.
Key Facts
- The prime minister requested an ethics investigation into Minister Josh Simons.
- Labour Together, a think tank associated with Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, commissioned a firm to investigate a journalist's report.
- The investigation focused on the background of journalists and the origins of a story about undeclared donations.
- Over 20 Labour MPs called for an independent investigation into the matter.
- The ethics adviser can only investigate Simons' actions as a minister, not his previous role with Labour Together.
- The report allegedly included unfounded claims about journalists' ideological beliefs and connections to foreign interests.
- The Cabinet Office has already established the facts of the case and reported them to Sir Keir.
- Some MPs argue that the ethics investigation should cover Labour Together's broader activities.
