Labour MP Andrew Gwynne suspended after alleged offensive comments in a WhatsApp group about a 72-year-old woman, Angela Rayner, and Diane Abbott.
Andrew Gwynne, a Labour MP representing Gorton and Denton, has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party following allegations of inappropriate comments made in a WhatsApp group. The controversy stems from messages seen by the Mail on Sunday, which reportedly included offensive remarks about a 72-year-old woman, sexist comments about Angela Rayner, and racist remarks about Diane Abbott.
A Labour spokesperson confirmed Gwynne’s suspension, stating that the party is investigating the comments in line with its rules and procedures. The spokesperson emphasized that swift action would be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of Labour Party members.
Details of the Allegations
According to reports, the WhatsApp group, named “Trigger Me Timbers,” contained a series of offensive messages. One such message involved a response to a letter from a 72-year-old resident who contacted her local councillor about bin collections. The resident, who had not voted Labour, inquired about the bin collection schedule following the councillor’s re-election. Gwynne allegedly suggested a response that included offensive language and a hope that the resident would be dead by the time of the next local elections.
The Mail on Sunday also reported that Gwynne fantasized about a local constituent being hit by a truck while cycling. He allegedly wrote about having “positive visions of him getting mown down by an Elsa Waste HGV while he’s cycling to the Fallowfield Loop,” expressing disappointment at the unlikelihood of such an event.
Other Controversial Comments
Gwynne is also accused of making disparaging remarks about Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister. In 2021, he reportedly circulated a tweet mocking Rayner for claiming wireless headphones on expenses, making a lewd joke referencing her background.
Furthermore, he allegedly made racist comments about Diane Abbott, a veteran Labour MP. In October 2019, when Abbott became the first black person to stand at the despatch box during Prime Minister’s Questions, Gwynne reportedly commented that it was “because it’s Black History Month apparently.” At the time, both Gwynne and Abbott were serving in Labour’s shadow cabinet.
He also appeared to mock the Jewish surname of one public figure. When other members of the chat asked if Marshall Rosenberg, a conflict resolution expert, would be present at a local Labour party meeting, Mr Gwynne reportedly said: “No. He sounds too militaristic and too Jewish. Is he in Mossad?”
Political Fallout
The Conservative Party has criticized the messages, claiming they reveal a “rot” within the Labour Party. Tory party co-chair Nigel Huddleston stated that there is a clear contempt for pensioners in the Labour Party and called for Gwynne’s removal from the party.
Gwynne, who was first elected as a Labour MP in 2005, has represented the Denton and Reddish constituency and, more recently, Gorton and Denton following a boundary change. He has stated that he understands the party’s decision and will support them in any way he can, despite being suspended.
Recent Departures within Labour
Gwynne is the third MP to leave the government since last summer’s election. Tulip Siddiq stepped down as Treasury minister in January over allegations linked to her aunt’s political movement in Bangladesh. Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary last November after it emerged that she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to the reported theft of a work mobile phone.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7zperkelo
https://www.ft.com/content/b67dd0fb-08a7-4582-81cc-2b1cac782656
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/08/labour-health-minister-andrew-gwynne-anti-semitic-keir-star/