Labour MP Oliver Ryan has been suspended from the party after offensive messages he posted in a WhatsApp group came to light. His suspension follows just 48 hours after health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked for similar comments in the same group.
Ryan faced investigation after allegedly mocking a fellow Labour MP over his sexuality. The Burnley MP, who is gay, also reportedly used an offensive nickname to refer to local Labour leader Colin Bailey, who has since reported the incident to the police.
Ryan was informed of his suspension following a meeting with government chief whip Alan Campbell on Monday afternoon.
Labour Promises Tough Stance on Misconduct
A Labour spokesperson confirmed Ryan’s suspension, stating: “As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party.
“As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was immediately launched, and this process is ongoing in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures.”
The party emphasized that swift action will be taken against any member found breaching Labour’s high standards.
Meanwhile, Andrew Gwynne, who was sacked on Saturday night over a string of offensive messages—including one where he expressed hope that an elderly voter would die—has also been suspended pending an investigation.
Police Involvement and Further Resignations
Greater Manchester Police has classified the incident as a “non-crime hate incident” and has begun inquiries.
A spokesperson stated, “We have received a small number of complaints relating to publicized messages allegedly from a WhatsApp group. A non-crime hate incident (NCHI) has been recorded, and we are in contact with our parliamentary liaison as part of our initial enquiries.”
Adding to the fallout, three Labour councillors—Claire Reid, Jack Naylor, and George Newton—have stepped down from their roles on Tameside Council while the party continues to investigate the thousands of messages exchanged in the WhatsApp group, known as “Trigger Me Timbers.”
With Labour taking a firm stance on party discipline, the ongoing investigation is expected to shed further light on the scandal.
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