Second Labour MP faces sanctions over ‘unacceptable’ WhatsApp group messages

A Labour MP has said he is being investigated by the Labour Party over “unacceptable and deeply disappointing” comments made in a WhatsApp group.

Oliver Ryan, the MP for Burnley, said he was a member of the WhatsApp group that former minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked over, as he apologised for some of his own comments.

In a statement posted to X, Ryan apologised for remarks “which I deeply regret and would not make today”, and said he would “cooperate fully” with the investigation.

The statement reads: “Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne. 

“Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them. I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong. I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said. 

“I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that I wholeheartedly apologise. I will cooperate fully with the Labour Party’s investigation.”

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A government source told PA News: “Oliver Ryan’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply disappointing.

“While a Labour party investigation is already under way, the chief whip will also be speaking to him and no action is off the table.”

Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, was sacked as public health minister on Saturday over remarks he posted on the chat.

According to a Mail on Sunday report, Gwynne made antisemitic comments and “joked” about a pensioner constituent, saying he hoped she died before the next election.

On Saturday, a Labour spokesperson confirmed Gwynne had been suspended as a member of the Labour Party.

Following the decision, Gwynne said he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged comments” and apologised for any offence caused.

He said: “I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.

“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.”

Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.

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