Resolution Statement – 29316-20 Kirby v thejc.com

Resolution Statement – 29316-20 Kirby v thejc.com

Summary of Complaint

1. Maia Kirby complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that thejc.com breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice in an article headlined “'Deeply unpleasant' Chingford Labour meeting includes open attack on Starmer and claim antisemitism had been 'weaponised'”, published on 1 December 2020.

2. The article reported on a Labour Party meeting. The article also contained a passage which it alleged was part of an “earlier message sent to all CLPs by Labour General Secretary Mr Evans”.

3. The complainant said that the article was inaccurate in breach of Clause 1, as the passage quoted within the article was not sent to all CLPs, but was an earlier draft of the message. She also said that the draft contained different information to that which was published.

4. The publication accepted that an error had been made, and offered to amend the article and add a line clarifying the amendment.

Relevant Code Provisions

Clause 1 (Accuracy)

i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text.

ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and — where appropriate — an apology published. In cases involving IPSO, due prominence should be as required by the regulator.

iii) A fair opportunity to reply to significant inaccuracies should be given, when reasonably called for.

iv) The Press, while free to editorialise and campaign, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact.

Mediated Outcome

5. The complaint was not resolved through direct correspondence between the parties. IPSO therefore began an investigation into the matter.

6. During IPSO’s investigation, the complainant suggested the quotation be removed from the article.

7. The publication agreed to remove the quotation.

8. The complainant said that this would resolve the matter to her satisfaction.

9. As the complaint was successfully mediated, the Complaints Committee did not make a determination as to whether there had been any breach of the Code.

Date complaint received: 02/12/2020

Date complaint concluded by IPSO: 15/01/2021