Labour Together, a significant think tank closely linked to a hedge fund manager and key Labour figures, has come under scrutiny for bankrolling more than 100 MPs, including cabinet ministers, with donations totalling around £1.5m. The donations, ranging from £5,000 to £137,168, have raised questions about the think tank’s influence and the role of its former director, Morgan McSweeney.
Recently, there has been a power struggle within the Labour Party, with McSweeney succeeding Sue Gray as the Prime Minister’s chief of staff. Labour Together has faced criticism from allies of former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who view it as a “right-wing” entity aimed at sidelining Momentum allies within the party. The think tank is reportedly backed by affluent donors, leading to concerns that it is attempting to shift the party’s funding away from traditional trade union support.
Labour Together supported 123 parliamentary candidates in the recent election, with 111 of them successfully becoming MPs. Notable donations include staff support valued at £137,168 for justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and £64,967.15 in “research and writing services” for chancellor Rachel Reeves. Other shadow cabinet members also received various forms of support from Labour Together.
The think tank receives significant backing from hedge fund manager Martin Taylor, who has invested nearly £3m since 2017 alongside direct donations to Labour and key party figures. Trevor Chinn, a director of Labour Together, has also contributed almost £400,000. The influx of donations has sparked concerns about potential influences on Labour policies, particularly related to healthcare and pro-Israel causes.
Despite the support provided to parliamentary candidates, there have been criticisms about the distribution of funds, with left-wing MPs noting that they did not receive financial assistance. Additionally, there are allegations that McSweeney, in his capacity as election coordinator, influenced candidate selections. Labour Together’s involvement in funding and supporting Labour members has stirred debate within the party, with some critics accusing it of undermining left-wing elements.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has been vocal in his criticism of Labour Together, describing it as a “right-wing faction” that has gained control of the Labour Party through substantial funding from private donors. On the other hand, Labour Together’s current chief executive, Jonathan Ashworth, refutes these claims, emphasising the organisation’s focus on electoral success rather than internal party politics.
Overall, the donations and activities of Labour Together continue to be a topic of contention within Labour circles, with ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and the influence of external sources on the party’s direction. The think tank has previously faced scrutiny for not declaring significant donations within the required timeframe, highlighting broader concerns about financial practices and oversight within political organisations.