Labour officials were repeatedly warned about a controversial WhatsApp group containing offensive messages from a former minister before the scandal became public, it has been claimed.
Gerald Cooney, the former Labour leader of Tameside Council in Greater Manchester, stated that he had raised concerns about Andrew Gwynne’s remarks on multiple occasions over the past year. However, Labour sources insist that no formal complaint was ever received regarding the group.
Mr Cooney maintains that he alerted two senior regional officials about the messages, expressing particular concern over what he described as “misogynistic” comments directed at Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
“I told enough people who had power and authority within the party,” Mr Cooney said, adding that he had warned one senior figure as recently as a month ago.
His comments come in the wake of further controversy, with a second Labour MP losing the party whip due to their involvement in the group. Health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked following the exposure of offensive messages he had posted in the chat.
Oliver Ryan, the MP for Burnley who was elected last summer, was also administratively suspended from the Labour Party on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation.
Reports indicate that Mr Gwynne made highly inappropriate remarks, including expressing hope that a 72-year-old woman would die soon after she asked a councillor about bin collections. He also allegedly joked about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck.
As soon as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer became aware of these comments, he dismissed Mr Gwynne from his ministerial role. A spokesperson for Downing Street affirmed that Sir Keir “will not hesitate to take action” against ministers who fail to uphold high standards.
Further allegations have surfaced regarding Oliver Ryan’s involvement in the WhatsApp group, which was reportedly called ‘Trigger Me Timbers’. The Daily Mail claims Mr Ryan appeared to mock a fellow Labour MP over his sexuality in the chat. The MP in question has never publicly discussed his sexuality and is not known to be gay.
Additionally, Mr Ryan is said to have used an offensive nickname for local Labour leader Colin Bailey. Before his election to Parliament, Mr Ryan served as a councillor in Tameside.
In response to the growing scandal, a Labour Party spokesperson confirmed on Monday:
“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.”
While an internal investigation is underway, the party is expected to follow due process before determining any further disciplinary actions.
Mr Ryan issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, acknowledging that certain comments made in the group were “completely unacceptable”.
“I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong,” he admitted.
“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.”
Mr Gwynne also apologised on Saturday, saying he regretted “any offence I’ve caused” but did not suggest he would step down as an MP.
“I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer,” he said.
As a result of Mr Gwynne’s sacking, Ashley Dalton, the MP for West Lancashire, has been appointed as a minister at the Department of Health and Social Care.
Downing Street announced further ministerial changes on Monday, including the appointment of Douglas Alexander, who will serve jointly in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business and Trade. His responsibilities will include engagement with devolved administrations across the UK.
When asked whether the Prime Minister expected ministers to call out offensive remarks, a Downing Street spokesperson reiterated Sir Keir’s commitment to high standards of conduct.
“His determination to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead Government in service of working people… He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has done in this case.”
When pressed further on whether ministers should actively challenge offensive remarks, the spokesperson added:
“He has set out the expectation of high standards of conduct. Obviously, it is up to people to deliver on that.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a non-crime hate incident (NCHI) had been recorded in relation to the WhatsApp group’s leaked messages. Officers have liaised with the parliamentary liaison unit as part of their inquiries.
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An NCHI is a police record of speech or actions deemed hostile towards characteristics such as race, sex, or disability, even if they do not meet the threshold for a criminal offence.
The Conservative Party has seized on the controversy, with shadow paymaster general Richard Holden branding the situation a sign of “deep rot” within Labour.
“The suspension of two MPs in quick succession for their vile remarks shows just how deep the rot is in the Labour Party,” Mr Holden said.
He went on to call for both MPs to be expelled entirely from the party, saying:
“Sir Keir cannot now try and sweep this under the carpet. He should show some leadership, do the right – and decent – thing and expel them both.
“Anything less will show that his commitment to integrity is no more than lip service from the Labour Party.”
With the investigation ongoing and pressure mounting on Sir Keir Starmer to take decisive action, the scandal is likely to dominate Labour’s internal discussions in the coming days.
