The Labour Party has been hit with another major controversy as a second MP has been suspended over offensive messages in a private WhatsApp group.
Oliver Ryan, the 29-year-old MP for Burnley, has lost the Labour whip and will now serve as an independent in Parliament.
The Fallout from the WhatsApp Group
Ryan’s suspension follows an investigation into a WhatsApp group called “Trigger Me Timbers,” where members, including former health minister Andrew Gwynne, engaged in inappropriate conversations.
Gwynne was sacked and suspended from the Labour Party after the messages came to light.
According to reports, members of the group exchanged racist, sexist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic remarks.
Ryan himself was found to have participated in conversations mocking a fellow Labour MP’s sexuality and making cruel comments about a local Labour leader, Colin Bailey.
Labour’s Response and Calls for Action
The Labour Party acted swiftly upon discovering the messages.
A spokesperson stated, “Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party.
A thorough investigation is ongoing, and swift action will be taken where necessary.”
However, the Conservative Party is demanding more decisive action.
Tory MP Richard Holden criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, stating, “With two MPs suspended in two days for vile remarks, it’s clear that the rot runs deep in Labour.
Starmer must show leadership and expel them both immediately.”
Police Investigation Underway
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they have received complaints about the messages and have recorded a “non-crime hate incident.”
Authorities are conducting initial inquiries, though it remains uncertain whether any legal action will follow.
Ryan’s Apology and Defence
In response to the controversy, Ryan issued an apology, admitting he made regrettable comments in the WhatsApp group between 2019 and 2022. “I deeply regret not speaking out at the time.
Some of the comments in that group were unacceptable, and I fully condemn them,” he stated.
He also promised full cooperation with Labour’s investigation.
Despite this, Ryan’s past remarks have left a stain on his reputation.
In particular, his offensive comments about Colin Bailey, a veteran Labour activist and local lollipop man, have sparked outrage.
Bailey expressed his anger, stating, “I thought Oliver was a friend.
That’s the thing—you help these people, and they stab you in the back.”
A Bigger Problem Within Labour?
The scandal has raised broader concerns about Labour’s internal culture.
Reports suggest that the WhatsApp group included not only MPs but also over a dozen Labour councillors and senior officials from Greater Manchester.
Further revelations indicate that the group contained racist jokes about veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott and offensive comments about Jewish people.
Even Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was allegedly mocked in the chat.
What’s Next for Labour?
The pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer to take stronger action.
The Conservative Party has called for the immediate expulsion of all involved, arguing that delaying action only worsens the situation.
Labour, however, insists on following its internal investigation procedures before making final decisions.
With public scrutiny intensifying and more messages potentially coming to light, Labour faces a serious test of its commitment to integrity and discipline.
The coming days will reveal whether Starmer’s leadership can withstand this scandal or if more heads will roll.
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