Health minister sacked over offensive WhatsApp comments
A senior Labour minister has been dismissed and suspended from the party following the exposure of messages in which he made offensive comments, including one where he expressed hope that an elderly constituent who did not support him would die before the next election.
Andrew Gwynne, a former health minister, was removed from his position by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday after a series of alleged racist and sexist remarks, including antisemitic comments and disparaging statements about Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, surfaced in a leaked WhatsApp conversation. The revelations were first reported by the Mail on Sunday.
Government Takes Immediate Action
A government spokesperson confirmed Gwynne’s removal, stating: “The prime minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people. He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case
The allegations against Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, have sent shockwaves through the Labour Party. Among the messages attributed to him is one in which he allegedly mocked a 72-year-old woman who had contacted her local Labour councillor about bin collection services.
In the WhatsApp exchange, when the resident’s message was shared within the group, Gwynne reportedly suggested a dismissive response: “Dear resident, f*** your bins. I’m re-elected and without your vote. Screw you. PS: Hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the all-outs.” The term “all-outs” refers to local council elections where the entire council is up for election, rather than only a portion of seats.
Allegations of Racist and Sexist Comments
Further scrutiny of the messages reveals more troubling remarks attributed to Gwynne. In one instance, he allegedly commented on an individual’s name, suggesting they “sound too Jewish” and questioned whether the person was associated with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Gwynne also reportedly made belittling comments about veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. In a 2019 discussion within the WhatsApp group, named Trigger Me Timbers, he is accused of dismissing Abbott’s historic appearance as the first Black woman at Prime Minister’s Questions, calling the moment a “joke” and adding that her presence was “because it’s Black History Month apparently.”
In March 2021, he allegedly ridiculed Rayner by sharing a tweet from a parody account that referenced her claiming wireless headphones on parliamentary expenses and linked the issue to a sex act.
Gwynne’s Apology and Party Response
On Saturday evening, following his dismissal and suspension, Gwynne issued a statement expressing regret for his remarks. “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused,” he said. “I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, will support them in any way I can.”
The Labour Party has moved swiftly to distance itself from Gwynne. A spokesperson confirmed his suspension and the initiation of an internal investigation. “Andrew Gwynne has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party. We are investigating comments made in this WhatsApp group in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures. Swift action will be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.
Political Fallout
The revelations have sparked outrage within the party and beyond, with political analysts suggesting that the scandal could damage Labour’s efforts to present itself as a party of integrity ahead of upcoming elections. The opposition has also seized upon the controversy, with Conservative MPs calling for a thorough investigation into the culture within Labour’s ranks.
Senior figures within Labour have privately expressed their dismay at the allegations, with one party insider stating, “This is deeply disappointing. The party has worked hard to rebuild trust, and incidents like these only serve to undermine those efforts.”
Political commentators suggest that Starmer’s swift action in removing Gwynne signals a no-tolerance approach to misconduct within the party. “Labour has had its fair share of controversies in recent years, and Starmer knows that any hint of complacency could be politically disastrous,” said a political analyst. “By acting decisively, he is sending a clear message that there is no place for this kind of behavior in the party.”
As the internal investigation progresses, Labour will be keen to demonstrate that it is taking firm action to uphold ethical standards. The outcome of this inquiry will likely play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the party’s commitment to accountability.
Andrew Gwynne’s dismissal and suspension from the Labour Party highlight the ongoing challenges political parties face in maintaining ethical conduct among their members. With Starmer taking immediate action, the party hopes to draw a line under the controversy and reinforce its commitment to high standards. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny under which politicians operate and the potential consequences of failing to meet public expectations of integrity and respect
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