Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been dismissed from his position following the revelation of offensive and abusive WhatsApp messages he sent. The MP for Gorton and Denton was also suspended from the Labour Party after the Mail on Sunday uncovered the messages, which contained insults directed at constituents, fellow MPs, and local councillors.
A spokesperson for the government stated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is committed to maintaining high standards for those in public office and will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these expectations.
Gwynne, in a statement on social media platform X, expressed regret over his “badly misjudged” comments, apologizing for any offence caused. He acknowledged the decisions made by both the prime minister and the Labour Party and, while saddened by his suspension, confirmed his support for their actions.
A Labour spokesperson added that the 50-year-old Gwynne has been “administratively suspended” from the party as an investigation into the WhatsApp group comments is underway, in accordance with Labour’s internal rules and procedures. The spokesperson emphasized that swift action would be taken if any breach of the party’s high standards is discovered.
The Mail on Sunday reported that in the messages, Gwynne reportedly expressed hope that a 72-year-old woman, who had written to her local councillor about bin collection issues, would soon pass away. The councillor had shared the woman’s letter with Gwynne and other figures in a WhatsApp group named “Trigger Me Timbers.” Gwynne also allegedly made a joke about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck.
Further allegations include sexist comments about Angela Rayner and racist remarks directed at Labour MP Diane Abbott.
The Conservative Party quickly reacted, accusing Labour of harboring a “rot” within its ranks. Tory co-chair Nigel Huddleston stated, “There is a clear contempt for pensioners in the Labour Party,” and called for Gwynne’s immediate removal from the party.
Gwynne, first elected as a Labour MP in 2005, has represented Denton and Reddish and most recently Gorton and Denton following a boundary change. His resignation marks the third departure from the government since last summer’s election, following Tulip Siddiq’s resignation as Treasury Minister in January over family political allegations, and Louise Haigh’s resignation as Transport Secretary after pleading guilty to a criminal offence related to a stolen work mobile phone.
The unfolding scandal has raised further questions about the Labour Party’s standards and accountability as the party grapples with the fallout from the allegations.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for more updates on the investigation and political responses to this developing story.
