A fresh political scandal is rocking Westminster after it was revealed that a second Labour MP was involved in a controversial WhatsApp group where racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic comments were exchanged.
The exposure of these vile messages has already led to the dramatic sacking of health minister Andrew Gwynne, and now, another name has been linked to the controversy.
Oliver Ryan Identified as Key Member of Group Chat
Oliver Ryan, a 29-year-old Labour MP for Burnley, has been identified as a leading member of the WhatsApp group, reportedly posting over 2,000 messages.
The Daily Mail has also confirmed that Greater Manchester Police are currently assessing complaints regarding the offensive content shared in the chat, which was named “Trigger Me Timbers.”
Within the private group, Ryan was involved in homophobic banter targeting a fellow Labour MP and participated in mocking remarks about a well-respected local Labour leader and lifelong lollipop man, Colin Bailey.
he growing outrage over his involvement has led to calls for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to take swift action.
Pressure Mounts for Labour to Respond
Senior political figures are demanding accountability.
Former Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden urged Starmer to act decisively, stating, “With such hateful remarks being exchanged, getting to the bottom of this should be Sir Keir Starmer’s top priority.
He shouldn’t delay action, especially with concerns that other Labour members were involved.”
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether anyone in the group attempted to stop the offensive discussions.
“That was a large WhatsApp group with many Labour members.
Did any of them step in at the time? If the Prime Minister doesn’t act quickly against everyone involved, we know there’s still a problem in the Labour Party.”
Oliver Ryan Issues Apology Amid Backlash
Facing mounting criticism, Ryan issued an apology, acknowledging his role in the group and expressing regret for not speaking out against the offensive remarks.
He stated, “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.”
Ryan admitted he failed to challenge the inappropriate comments at the time, calling it a mistake. “I regret not speaking out, and I recognize 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 for that, I wholeheartedly apologize.”
Damaging Details of the Chat Emerge
Further details from the group chat paint an even darker picture.
Ryan’s close association with Andrew Gwynne, who has already been suspended from the Labour Party, is raising serious concerns.
Gwynne was exposed for mocking an elderly voter in Stockport who did not support Labour, writing a cruel message suggesting he wished for her death before the next council election.
Additionally, Ryan was involved in discussions where an unnamed Labour MP was subjected to homophobic remarks.
In one exchange from February 2019, Ryan appeared to joke about the MP’s sexuality while another member of the chat used an offensive slur referencing his constituency. Ryan continued the conversation with further inappropriate comments.
Ryan also ridiculed Colin Bailey, a respected Labour activist and vice-chairman of the party’s Audenshaw branch.
Alongside Gwynne, Ryan repeatedly referred to Bailey using an offensive nickname.
When informed of these remarks, Bailey expressed his anger and disappointment, stating, “I thought Oliver was a friend, as I did some work for him.
That’s the thing—you help these people, and they stab you in the back.”
Bailey’s daughter has since reported the matter to the police.
Labour Faces Internal Investigation
The “Trigger Me Timbers” group chat, which has existed since 2019, reportedly included at least two MPs, over a dozen Labour councillors, and senior party officials from the Greater Manchester area.
Thousands of messages from the chat have been reviewed, revealing a pattern of offensive and abusive conversations.
The scandal has put immense pressure on the Labour Party, with critics questioning how deeply the issue runs within its ranks.
As investigations continue, both from the Labour Party and potentially law enforcement, the future of Oliver Ryan’s political career hangs in the balance.
A government spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Oliver Ryan’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply disappointing.
While the Labour Party is conducting an internal investigation, the Chief Whip will also be speaking to him, and no action is off the table.”
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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