Burnley MP Oliver Ryan to Explain Remarks Made in Group with Sacked Minister Andrew Gwynne
Oliver Ryan, the Labour MP for Burnley, is set to meet with the party’s Chief Whip following an investigation into offensive comments made in a WhatsApp group. The group, which included former health minister Andrew Gwynne, has caused a scandal after remarks made by Gwynne about a pensioner were exposed.
Gwynne was dismissed from his position as health minister after it was reported that he had “joked” about hoping a pensioner constituent who complained about bin collections would die before the next election. The offensive comments, along with others in the group, were made public by the Mail on Sunday.
Ryan, who is also a member of the group, has since apologised for his own comments and admitted that they were “completely unacceptable.” He expressed regret for not speaking out at the time and acknowledged his responsibility in the situation. “I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today, and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise,” Ryan said. He also revealed that the group, called Trigger Me Timbers, was created by Gwynne, his former employer.
The incident has prompted Labour officials to take swift action, with Home Office Minister Angela Eagle stating that Ryan would meet with the Chief Whip. Eagle stressed that the party, under Prime Minister’s leadership, expects the highest standards from its MPs and ministers. She also affirmed that an investigation would take place to understand the context of the messages.
Gwynne has been temporarily suspended from the party, with an ongoing investigation into his actions. Eagle expressed that people can make mistakes and apologise, but the party will deal with any further disciplinary matters accordingly.
Ryan has stated he will cooperate fully with the investigation to clarify his involvement.
