The Labour politician who stood aside to give Andy Burnham a clear run to No10 is set for a key role when the new Makerfield MP becomes Prime Minister.
Labour allies indicate that Josh Simons, who stepped down in May, is set to assume control of the policy unit within Downing Street under the incoming administration of Andy Burnham.
The 32-year-old father of three vacated his parliamentary seat to facilitate the former Greater Manchester mayor’s return to Westminster, enabling his successful challenge to Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.
When announcing his departure, Mr Simons said his decision was motivated by prioritising his constituents’ interests.
However, persistent speculation has followed regarding whether a pre-arranged agreement existed between him and Mr Burnham to secure a senior position in the new Government.
According to Labour allies speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Simons brings substantial policy credentials to the role through his previous leadership of Labour Together, a centre-left think tank established by Morgan McSweeney that played a significant role in Sir Keir’s leadership victory.
One Labour MP who is an ally of Mr Simons described him as having “a very sort of pointy-headed policy geek” background, adding the relationship between the two men represents “a real meeting of minds”.
The source suggested “supporters of Starmer, who might resent what he did, may put that to one side because they would prefer that the guy who used to run Labour Together and is very clearly a moderate was in charge of policy rather than someone from the Left”.
Since standing down in May, Mr Simons has been part of the incoming Prime Minister’s close advisers, assisting with preparations for Government and helping to run the successful Makerfield by-election campaign.
Another insider characterised him as “a policy wonk at heart” who would relish such a role, whilst acknowledging he is “a bit of a marmite character” who can sometimes alienate colleagues.
Not all within the party have welcomed the anticipated appointment, with some Labour figures expressing concern about the optics of the arrangement.
Speculation Mr Simons would assume responsibility for policy matters has circulated since the by-election campaign commenced, according to party insiders.
One Labour source criticised the entire episode, declaring: “I think the whole thing has been a farce, him resigning makes us look silly to the public, so I am not especially keen to see him in the role.”
The same source questioned the narrative of renewal, asking: “How does he represent change when he was the director of Labour Together, the group we thought was helping us prepare for Government?”
Mr Simons previously attracted controversy in February when he departed his position as a Cabinet Office minister following revelations that he had commissioned background checks on journalists who had published critical coverage of his think tank.
The investigation, conducted by public relations company APCO, was condemned as an attempt to smear reporters by falsely connecting them to pro-Russian propaganda outlets.
Despite being cleared of any ministerial code violations, Mr Simons chose to resign from his Government role.
A spokesman for Mr Burnham would not confirm whether Mr Simons is slated to lead the No10 policy operation.
Official announcements regarding political appointments are anticipated only after Mr Burnham formally assumes the office of Prime Minister later this month.
