Why was a Labour campaign group spying on journalists? - My Ways (feat. Lil Jokey) - Single Recap

Podcast: My Ways (feat. Lil Jokey) - Single

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 31 minutes

Summary

The episode investigates the accusations against Labour Together, a campaign group linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of spying on journalists and the implications of such actions.

What Happened

The episode opens with a discussion about an investigation into Labour Together, a think tank that played a significant role in getting Keir Starmer into power. The group is accused of conducting a 'dirty ops' campaign against journalists like Gabriel Pogrand, who were investigating its undeclared political donations.

Labour Together allegedly contracted APCO, an American public affairs company, to investigate whether Russian interference was involved in Pogrand's story, but the investigation reportedly went too far, delving into Pogrand's personal background and motivations. This kind of response is compared to tactics used during the Nixon era, where journalists faced personal scrutiny for their investigations.

The episode raises questions about the motivations behind such investigations and whether they were an attempt to suppress journalistic freedom. Keir Starmer's response to the scandal is also scrutinized, with critics suggesting it reflects a lack of curiosity about significant issues within his administration.

Further complicating matters is the involvement of figures closely tied to Labour Together, such as Morgan McSweeney, who was until recently Starmer's chief of staff. The timing of the revelations, following McSweeney's departure, raises suspicions about internal politics within the Labour Party.

The discussion then shifts to the broader implications for the Labour leadership, highlighting the connections between key figures in Starmer's administration and the think tank. Questions are raised about whether the scandal will lead to political fallout or resignations.

The episode also touches on the role of the media in holding power to account and the intrinsic value of a free press in a democratic society. The nature of political scandals and their potential to destabilize government agendas is a recurring theme.

The hosts discuss the perception of Labour leaders within their own party, contrasting the reverence for past leaders who lost elections with the disdain for those who won, such as Tony Blair. This cultural dynamic within the Labour Party is explored as a factor in the current political climate.

Finally, the episode addresses the need for stable leadership in the face of political turbulence, suggesting that both the Labour Party and the Conservatives must avoid the pitfalls of frequent leadership changes to maintain credibility with the electorate.

Key Insights

• Labour Together's use of APCO, a U.S. public affairs company, to investigate journalist Gabriel Pogrand's story on political donations, mirrors Nixon-era tactics that scrutinized journalists personally instead of their work. This approach raises ethical questions about crossing the line between addressing misinformation and stifling press freedom.
• The timing of Morgan McSweeney's departure as Keir Starmer's chief of staff coinciding with the scandal involving Labour Together invites speculation about internal power struggles. Such events often hint at deeper political machinations that could destabilize party leadership.
• Labour leaders face an ironic cultural dynamic where figures like Tony Blair, who won elections, receive less reverence compared to leaders who lost. This reflects a peculiar internal disdain for electoral success that could influence current political strategies.
• The necessity for stable leadership in British politics is underscored by recent turbulence within both the Labour and Conservative parties. Frequent leadership changes risk undermining public trust, suggesting a need for consistency to maintain political credibility.

Key Questions Answered

What is the Labour Together scandal about on the My Ways podcast?

The scandal involves allegations that Labour Together, a think tank linked to Keir Starmer, conducted investigations into journalists like Gabriel Pogrand to suppress stories about undeclared political donations.

How did Labour Together allegedly spy on journalists according to the My Ways episode?

Labour Together allegedly hired APCO to investigate whether Russian agents were involved in leaking information to journalists, but the investigation reportedly extended to personal details of journalists, raising ethical concerns.

Why is Keir Starmer's involvement significant in the Labour Together scandal mentioned on My Ways?

Keir Starmer's administration is implicated due to close ties with Labour Together, and critics argue his response reflects a lack of curiosity about potential misconduct, raising questions about leadership accountability.