Health Minister Sacked Over Offensive WhatsApp Messages
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been sacked from his role and suspended from the Labour Party following the revelation of offensive and abusive WhatsApp messages. The MP for Gorton and Denton was dismissed after The Mail on Sunday reported on a series of messages in which he made derogatory remarks about constituents, fellow MPs, and councillors. Among the comments, Gwynne reportedly joked about a 72-year-old constituent dying before the next election, made sexist remarks about Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, and used racist language about MP Diane Abbott. He also made antisemitic remarks, including a comment about an American psychologist sounding “too Jewish” and questioning if he was “in Mossad.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that the government is committed to upholding high standards in public office and will not hesitate to act against ministers who fail to meet these expectations. Gwynne, who apologised for the “badly misjudged” comments on social media, expressed regret and said he understood the decision to suspend him. He added that he would continue to support the Labour Party.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook described the messages as “completely unacceptable” and confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart criticised the lack of intervention from other members of the WhatsApp group, questioning whether anyone had challenged Gwynne’s remarks at the time. Burghart also raised concerns about antisemitism within the Labour Party, urging the prime minister to address the issue promptly.
Gwynne, first elected as an MP in 2005, was appointed to his ministerial role in July 2024 following Labour’s election victory. He is the third minister to leave the government since the election, following the resignations of Tulip Siddiq and Louise Haigh. The Labour Party has stated that swift action will be taken against any member found to have breached its standards.
Andrew Gwynne: Labour health minister sacked over WhatsApp messages
Gwynne apologises for the badly misjudged messages and is suspended as a Labour party member.
www.bbc.co.uk
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne sacked over 'badly misjudged' WhatsApp messages | ITV News
Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, has been sacked as health minister and suspended from the Labour Party. | ITV National News
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