New Labour MP Suspended Over Offensive WhatsApp Messages
Oliver Ryan was one of 335 new MPs elected last year (Alamy)
2 min read
Labour MP Oliver Ryan has had the party whip suspended, having only been elected as an MP last year.
Ryan was the second MP to apologise after making “unacceptable and deeply disappointing” comments in a WhatsApp group called 'Trigger Me Timbers', in which Ryan mocked another Labour MP over his sexuality. The group is now being investigated by Labour.
Having now had the whip withdrawn, Ryan will sit in the Commons as an independent MP.
A No10 spokesperson said: "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. Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members."
Former health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked from his ministerial role over the weekend after also making rude comments in the group, including alleged comments which were “antisemitic”, “sexist” and “racist”.
Ryan, who was elected as the MP for Burnley with a majority of 3,420 in the general election last year, apologised for the remarks and said he "deeply regretted" making them.
"Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne," he said.
"Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them. I regret not speaking out at the time and I recognise 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 would not make today and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise. I will co-operate fully with the Labour Party's investigation."
Labour Ashley Dalton has been appointed to replace Gwynne as a health minister.
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