Lobbyist in Labour Together scandal has been investigating Guardian reporter, say reports
The Guardian World
by Michael Savage Media editorFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A senior lobbyist linked to a prominent US public affairs firm has come under scrutiny for allegedly investigating a Guardian reporter who was covering a controversial row. Tom Harper, a senior director at Apco, authored an extensive report examining journalists involved in a 2023 Sunday Times story about undisclosed donations to Labour Together, a thinktank closely tied to Keir Starmer’s rise to the Labour leadership. The allegations against Harper surfaced after he reportedly made inquiries as recently as last week about Henry Dyer, a Guardian reporter who has been covering the controversy.
The report, which spans 58 pages, was commissioned by an influential thinktank associated with Labour and aimed to scrutinize journalists behind the Sunday Times story that exposed Labour Together’s financial ties. This move has raised eyebrows, with critics arguing it undermines press freedom and sets a concerning precedent for targeting journalists who report on sensitive political matters. The investigation into Dyer adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.
This development highlights broader concerns about transparency, media integrity, and the potential blurring of lines between politics, lobbying, and journalism. As public distrust in institutions grows, such actions risk eroding confidence further. For readers interested in global politics, this story underscores the delicate balance between investigative journalism and political influence, offering a cautionary tale about the ethical challenges faced by reporters and those who seek to silence them.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026