Labour MP Oliver Ryan has been suspended from the parliamentary party over his participation in a WhatsApp group containing offensive messages, becoming the second MP to face suspension in this scandal.
Ryan, who represents Burnley, was suspended following a meeting with Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell after the Mail on Sunday published messages showing him mocking a fellow MP’s sexuality and denigrating local party officials.
The suspension follows that of Andrew Gwynne, who was also sacked as health minister over messages including antisemitic remarks and comments about MP Diane Abbott. Gwynne had suggested responding to an elderly constituent with “hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the local elections.”
Abbott, responding to the revelations, told the BBC’s World at One that such “distasteful” comments were unfortunately common. “Those sorts of remarks are made by too many MPs when they think I can’t hear,” she said.
Three Tameside councillors have resigned from their executive duties while the investigation continues. Greater Manchester Police has recorded the incident as a non-crime hate incident.
West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton has been appointed to replace Gwynne as health minister.
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