A Labour MP has said he “deeply regrets” comments he made on a WhatsApp group – a day after health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked for alleged racist and sexist remarks posted on the same chat.
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan is being investigated by the Labour Party over comments which a government source said were “unacceptable and deeply disappointing”.
The source told the Press Association: “While a Labour Party investigation is already under way, the chief whip will also be speaking to him and no action is off the table.”
Politics latest: Minister says Andrew Gwynne’s comments ‘unacceptable’
In a statement on X, Mr Ryan apologised for remarks he made which he “would not make today”, and said he would “cooperate fully” with the investigation.
He said that between 2019 and early 2022, he was a member of a WhatsApp group “created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne”.
Mr Ryan said: “Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them.”
He also said he regretted “not speaking out at the time”, and he recognised 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,” he added.
Andrew Gwynne, pictured in 2022. Pic: PA
Mr Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, was sacked as health minister by Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday over remarks he posted on the chat.
He reportedly made antisemitic comments and “joked” about a pensioner constituent, saying he hoped she died before the next election, according to the Mail on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a senior official earlier said Labour will punish any other MP or minister caught up in the scandal.
Speaking to Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, housing minister Matthew Pennycook described Mr Gwynne’s remarks as “unacceptable”.
“I don’t know, personally, what other people on that WhatsApp conversation have said… I’ve being very clear, there’s an investigation taking place into the whole incident.
“What the public can take from the way the prime minister has acted decisively in this case to dismiss Andrew Gwynne is that if any other Labour MP or minister falls short he will act to uphold the highest standards in public office.”
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On Saturday, a Labour spokesperson confirmed Mr Gwynne had been suspended as a member of the Labour Party.
Following the decision by Labour, Mr Gwynne said he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged comments” and apologised for any offence 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.”
Mr Gwynne is the latest minister to go, with ex-treasury minister Tulip Siddiq quitting last month and Louise Haigh stepping aside as transport minister in November.