Downing Street has published the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards’ letter and an exchange of letters between the Prime Minister and Josh Simons MP. The Adviser found no breach of the Ministerial Code; the Prime Minister accepted Mr Simons’ resignation from his roles at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Cabinet Office on 28 February 2026. (gov.uk)
According to Sir Laurie Magnus’ advice dated 27 February 2026, the Prime Minister asked officials on 15 February to undertake a fact‑finding exercise before referring the matter for formal advice. The Adviser noted his remit concerns conduct in office, but assessed relevant pre‑appointment actions where necessary to evaluate ministerial statements made while in office. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
In summarising the public statements Mr Simons made as a minister, the Adviser recorded three central claims: that he commissioned an external firm to probe a suspected illegal hack of confidential material; that he did not intend the work to focus on UK journalists; and that he acted to remove material about a named journalist from a draft report when it surfaced. The Adviser reported Mr Simons now accepts the terms of reference were wider than he understood and that he moved too quickly without legal advice, but judged his statements to be made in good faith. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
The Adviser concluded there was no basis to advise of a breach of the Ministerial Code. He cautioned, however, that pre‑ministerial decisions can still be relevant if they distract from government business or risk reputational damage, and invited the Prime Minister to consider whether Mr Simons retained his confidence. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
In his resignation letter of 28 February, Mr Simons welcomed the finding of no breach but said remaining in office had become a distraction. He underlined the role of a free press and denied any intention to smear journalists, naming Gabriel Pogrund, Harry Yorke and Henry Dyer. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Mr Simons set out that, while leading Labour Together, he sought to understand how confidential material had been disclosed, consulted his board and lawyers, commissioned APCO, and filed a case with the National Cyber Security Centre, which met the think tank. He said he was not aware two journalists had been labelled “persons of interest”, described material about Mr Pogrund as reprehensible and said he had it removed, and confirmed he would continue as MP for Makerfield. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
The Prime Minister accepted the resignation with regret, thanked Mr Simons for his service (including maternity cover for Satvir Kaur MP as a Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary), reaffirmed the importance of press freedom, and recorded that the Adviser had found no breach of the Code. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
The Ministerial Code emphasises high standards of behaviour and accountability to the Prime Minister for conduct under the Code, including expectations of honesty and openness; ministers hold office only while they retain the Prime Minister’s confidence. This case illustrates that a “no breach” finding can still lead to ministerial departure where reputational risk is judged material. (gov.uk)
Since November 2024 the Code and the Adviser’s terms have been strengthened: the Adviser can initiate investigations after notifying the Prime Minister, and transparency requirements on interests, gifts and hospitality have been increased and clarified. Sir Laurie Magnus’ 2024–25 annual report confirms the re‑titled role and updated terms of reference. (gov.uk)
The published correspondence addresses ministerial standards and the question of continued confidence. It does not set out successor or cover arrangements for DSIT or the Cabinet Office portfolios, which are outside the scope of these letters. (gov.uk)