A Labour MP has expressed deep regret over his involvement in a controversial WhatsApp group that contained “unacceptable” messages.
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan acknowledged his failure to challenge inappropriate content in the group chat, which operated between 2019 and early 2022.
Ryan also admitted to making comments himself that he “deeply regrets” and would not make today, pledging full cooperation with the Labour Party’s investigation into the matter.
Ryan was a member of a WhatsApp group created by his MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne.
“Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them,” Ryan said.
“I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong,” he added.
Second Labour MP involved in vile WhatsApp group admits to making ‘unacceptable’ messagesHe acknowledged that while he did not see every message, he accepts responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging the content.
A Government source said: “Oliver Ryan’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply disappointing.
“While a Labour Party investigation is already underway, the chief whip will also be speaking to him and no action is off the table.”
The WhatsApp group, named “Trigger Me Timbers”, included more than a dozen Labour councillors, party officials and at least one other MP.
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An election placard for Labour candidate Oliver Ryan stands outside a home on June 25, 2024 in Burnley, England
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Andrew Gwynne, who created the group, was sacked as health minister and suspended from the Labour Party after his messages came to light yesterday.
The messages reportedly included sexist comments about Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and racist remarks about Labour MP Diane Abbott.
Gwynne was also said to have joked about an elderly woman’s death and made antisemitic comments in the group chat.
A Government spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer “will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case”.
Following the revelations, a Labour spokesperson confirmed: “Andrew Gwynne has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party. We are investigating comments made in this WhatsApp group.”
Following his dismissal by the Prime Minister Gwynne said in a statement: “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused.
“I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.
“I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, will support them in any way I can.”