Politics · 28 February 2026
Josh Simons Resigns From Cabinet Despite Ethics Clearance
Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons has resigned from Keir Starmer's government following allegations that he orchestrated a smear campaign against journalists while leading centre-left think tank Labour Together. The Makerfield MP was accused of commissioning public affairs firm Apco Worldwide to investigate journalists probing £730,000 in donations to the organisation. Although the Prime Minister's independent ethics adviser cleared him of breaching the ministerial code, Simons resigned, stating the scandal had "become a distraction from this Government's important work."
Reported by GB News · How we write briefs