The Labour Party has suspended another MP following revelations about a disturbing 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.
His suspension follows an investigation into offensive messages shared in the group, which also led to the removal of former health minister Andrew Gwynne.
Police Involvement and Hate Incident Reported
The controversy erupted after The Mail on Sunday exposed the messages to Downing Street, prompting police to step in.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had received complaints and recorded a non-crime hate incident while beginning initial inquiries.
The group, named “Trigger Me Timbers,” was found to contain racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic content, including jokes about a fellow Labour MP’s sexuality.
Labour’s Response and Internal Investigation
A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed Ryan’s administrative suspension, stating that a full investigation was underway.
The party emphasized that immediate action was taken as soon as the matter came to light, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining high standards among its members.
Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting, with the Conservatives calling on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to expel both Ryan and Gwynne to demonstrate strong leadership.
Political Fallout and Party Reactions
Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle condemned the messages but suggested that people can learn from their mistakes, pointing to the apologies issued by both Ryan and Gwynne.
However, Conservative MP Richard Holden criticized Labour’s handling of the situation, arguing that suspensions were insufficient and that Starmer needed to take definitive action.
Oliver Ryan’s Apology and History with Labour
Ryan, who has been a Labour councillor for nine years, expressed deep regret over his involvement in the group.
He admitted to making inappropriate comments and failing to challenge others when he should have.
While he stated that he did not see every message in the group, he acknowledged his responsibility and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing Labour Party investigation.
Shocking Messages and Mockery of Labour Members
One of the most disturbing aspects of the leaked messages includes derogatory remarks about a 61-year-old Labour leader, Colin Bailey, who has been a party member for over four decades.
Ryan and Gwynne reportedly mocked him with offensive nicknames, leading Bailey’s daughter to report the issue to the police.
Additionally, the group’s messages included crude references to a fellow Labour MP’s sexuality, racist jokes about veteran MP Diane Abbott, and anti-Semitic remarks.
The WhatsApp group was reportedly created in 2019 and included multiple Labour councillors and senior officials from Greater Manchester.
Downing Street’s Stance and Ministerial Reshuffle
As Labour deals with the scandal, Downing Street has announced a reshuffle, appointing Ashley Dalton as the new health minister to replace Gwynne.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office reaffirmed the expectation for high standards in public service, emphasizing that ministers must call out derogatory remarks when they occur.
Calls for Swift and Decisive Action
The pressure on Labour to act decisively continues to grow.
Conservative figures insist that Starmer must take immediate action against all MPs involved in the WhatsApp group, rather than hiding behind an internal process.
With more names possibly linked to the scandal, the controversy is far from over, and the Labour Party’s handling of the situation will likely be scrutinized in the coming days.
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