Labour Party councillors in Greater Manchester have been suspended due to offensive messages shared in a WhatsApp group. This revelation emerged following the suspension of two Labour MPs in the region, including Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne and Burnley MP Oliver Ryan. Gwynne confessed to making “badly misjudged” comments, leading to his suspension and removal as a health minister. Similarly, Ryan expressed regret for his remarks and was subsequently suspended.
The councillors from Tameside and Stockport councils who were part of the WhatsApp group, known as Trigger Me Timbers, have been administratively suspended by the Labour Party. Among them are Allison Gwynne, Andrew Gwynne’s wife, who serves as a councillor on Tameside council, and Brenda Warrington, former leader of the council. A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed the suspensions, stating that an investigation was launched promptly upon discovery of the group to uphold the party’s standards.
Messages exchanged by Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan in the WhatsApp group prompted their suspensions. Gwynne faced backlash for his remarks about a 72-year-old woman and a constituent, while Ryan’s messages from before his MP tenure were highlighted for mocking a fellow Labour MP and criticizing the vice-chairman of the local party. In a statement, Ryan acknowledged his failure to challenge inappropriate comments and expressed remorse for his own remarks, apologizing wholeheartedly for his actions.
The Labour Party is steadfast in its commitment to upholding integrity within its ranks, taking decisive action to address any breaches of conduct among its members. The suspensions of councillors and MPs underscore the party’s dedication to maintaining high standards of behavior and accountability within its political sphere. The ongoing investigation into the WhatsApp group signifies the party’s proactive stance in addressing issues of misconduct and ensuring adherence to party regulations
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