A British government minister resigned on Saturday despite being cleared of breaching the ministerial code following allegations that he ordered an investigation into journalists while leading a think tank.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ethics adviser concluded that Josh Simons, a junior minister involved in plans for a new digital ID scheme, had not violated the ministerial code. However, Simons stepped down, saying his continued presence in office had become a distraction.
“It is clear that my remaining in office has now become a distraction from this government’s important work,” Simons wrote in his resignation letter to Starmer, which was published on the government’s website. “For that reason, and with sadness and regret, I offer my resignation.”
Starmer said he accepted the resignation “with sadness.”
The review was ordered after media reports alleged that Simons, a former director of Labour Together, had hired public relations firm APCO Worldwide to investigate journalists who had reported on the think tank’s finances.
According to the findings, Simons engaged APCO because he believed Labour Together had been the victim of an illegal hack and did not intend for the firm to investigate journalists. The review noted that the scope of the work had been broader than Simons had understood, which created a perception that it extended beyond examining the suspected cyberattack.
The report stated that APCO’s initial findings included references to a British newspaper journalist, but Simons took steps to have those references removed. It also concluded that his public statements were made in good faith and found no grounds to advise the prime minister that he had breached the ministerial code.
Simons’ resignation adds to a growing list of departures during Starmer’s less than two years in office. Recent political turbulence has prompted some members of his own party to call for his resignation.
Labour Together, previously led by Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and widely regarded as close to the current government, did not immediately comment on the matter. APCO Worldwide also did not respond to requests for comment.