Labour MP Oliver Ryan has been suspended from the party’s parliamentary group due to his involvement in a WhatsApp group containing offensive messages. Ryan issued an apology prior to meeting with Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell, stating that the comments in the group were “completely unacceptable” and apologising for not speaking out at the time. In the messages which were revealed by the Mail on Sunday, Ryan was accused of mocking a Labour MP for his sexuality and denigrating the vice-chairman of the local Labour Party. Ryan follows Andrew Gwynne in losing the whip over his membership of the group.
Ryan stated: “I did not see every message but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said.” He added: “I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise.” The Labour party confirmed that Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member due to the WhatsApp group.
Andrew Gwynne was removed as a health minister last week for his participation in a different suspended WhatsApp group. Gwynne was revealed to have suggested that a councillor respond to a constituent with the message “I’m re-elected and without your vote. Screw you. PS Hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the all outs [the local elections].” Other messages reportedly contained anti-Semitic remarks and racist and sexist sentiments. Three Tameside councillors resigned from their executive duties due to the investigation.
The police confirmed a non-crime hate incident had been recorded after a “small number of complaints relating to publicised messages allegedly from a WhatsApp group”. Although the identity of those involved was not confirmed, Gwynne was reported to have verbally attacked Labour MP Diane Abbott on one occasion. Abbott noted she was not surprised to hear “distasteful” comments reportedly made about her in the WhatsApp group, noting MPs of all parties had made similar comments.
Conservative shadow paymaster general Richard Holden called for Ryan and Gwynne’s expulsion. Differences between members of the UK Labour Party are taking place on the eve of the party’s annual conference. Elsewhere, West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton has been appointed as Health Minister and will replace Gwynne. Douglas Alexander, on the other hand, has been appointed a Cabinet Office minister with responsibility for relations with devolved governments, in addition to his current role in the business department
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