Following escalating allegations of misconduct, Labour Together, the influential think tank that supported Keir Starmer’s rise to leadership, is undergoing a major restructuring. The organization has been embroiled in a scandal concerning its decision to hire a public relations firm to investigate journalists who were scrutinizing its funding sources.

In February 2026, it was reported that Labour Together paid APCO Worldwide £30,000 to conduct a detailed inquiry into the backgrounds of journalists at The Sunday Times, particularly those involved in reporting on undisclosed donations that benefitted Starmer’s campaign. This revelation has sparked outrage, leading to calls for investigations not only into the think tank's actions but also into its connections to the current Labour leadership.

Keir Starmer, facing pressure from within and outside his party, has ordered the Cabinet Office to investigate the claims surrounding the think tank's dealings. He asserted he had no prior knowledge of the actions taken by Labour Together, stating, "The matter absolutely needs to be looked into."

Alison Phillips, the newly appointed CEO of Labour Together, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations in an all-staff email, assuring that the organization aspires to the "highest standards of probity." She expressed her determination to work closely with relevant governance bodies to rectify the situation.

The scandal has led to heightened scrutiny within Labour, with prominent figures including Josh Simons, the former director of Labour Together and current Cabinet Office minister, facing calls for resignation. Critics argue the relationship between Labour Together and the party leadership complicates transparency and accountability.

This episode has raised deep concerns about the party's engagement with the media and its implications for a free press, prompting demands for an independent inquiry into the scandal. The overall sentiment within the party and among its supporters emphasizes a critical need for integrity, which, if not addressed, may jeopardize public trust in the Labour brand as it heads towards the next elections.

As Labour Together embarks on this transformation, it seeks to restore both its reputation and that of the Labour Party amid an increasingly challenging political landscape.