Labour Party Suspends Councillors Amid WhatsApp Controversy
Eleven councillors suspended as investigation continues into offensive remarks in a controversial group chat.
The Labour Party has suspended eleven councillors, including Allison Gwynne, the wife of former Health Minister Andrew Gwynne, as part of an ongoing investigation into a WhatsApp group known as "Trigger Me Timbers." This development follows the suspension of two MPs, Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, who faced criticism for their involvement in the group and allegedly offensive comments.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following a thorough investigation initiated by the party upon learning about the WhatsApp group.
A Labour Party spokesperson stated, "As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was launched in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures and this process is ongoing.
Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members."
Andrew Gwynne was dismissed from his ministerial position immediately after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was made aware of his comments in the chat, which included a joke about a constituent being "mown down" by a truck and comments about a 72-year-old woman.
Gwynne expressed deep regret for his remarks, calling them "badly misjudged" and apologized for any offense his words may have caused.
Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, has also faced suspension for remarks considered potentially antisemitic, as reported by The Times.
In a discussion about the 2019 Peterborough by-election, Ryan stated he would "eat his hat" if Labour won but later acknowledged that he would not use certain religious symbols, such as a Shtriemel or Kippah, in jest.
Ryan has been quoted expressing regret for not challenging unacceptable comments made in the group, asserting that he will fully cooperate with the Labour Party’s investigation.
Among the suspended councillors are former council leader Brenda Warrington and Claire Reid, a member of Labour's national policy forum.
Labour sources have indicated that scrutiny of Ryan's comments included alleged offensive remarks towards another Labour MP’s sexuality, the details of which remain undisclosed.
Following Andrew Gwynne's departure, Ashley Dalton has been appointed as a minister at the Department of Health and Social Care.
The ongoing situation has placed significant pressure on the Labour Party, particularly concerning its internal standards and public image as it navigates this controversy.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following a thorough investigation initiated by the party upon learning about the WhatsApp group.
A Labour Party spokesperson stated, "As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was launched in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures and this process is ongoing.
Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members."
Andrew Gwynne was dismissed from his ministerial position immediately after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was made aware of his comments in the chat, which included a joke about a constituent being "mown down" by a truck and comments about a 72-year-old woman.
Gwynne expressed deep regret for his remarks, calling them "badly misjudged" and apologized for any offense his words may have caused.
Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, has also faced suspension for remarks considered potentially antisemitic, as reported by The Times.
In a discussion about the 2019 Peterborough by-election, Ryan stated he would "eat his hat" if Labour won but later acknowledged that he would not use certain religious symbols, such as a Shtriemel or Kippah, in jest.
Ryan has been quoted expressing regret for not challenging unacceptable comments made in the group, asserting that he will fully cooperate with the Labour Party’s investigation.
Among the suspended councillors are former council leader Brenda Warrington and Claire Reid, a member of Labour's national policy forum.
Labour sources have indicated that scrutiny of Ryan's comments included alleged offensive remarks towards another Labour MP’s sexuality, the details of which remain undisclosed.
Following Andrew Gwynne's departure, Ashley Dalton has been appointed as a minister at the Department of Health and Social Care.
The ongoing situation has placed significant pressure on the Labour Party, particularly concerning its internal standards and public image as it navigates this controversy.
