An MP who was sacked as a well being minister after he reportedly posted offensive messages in a WhatsApp group is being investigated by parliament’s requirements watchdog.
Andrew Gwynne, who was also suspended from the Labour Party earlier this month, is listed among the many allegations underneath investigation by Daniel Greenberg, the requirements commissioner.
In line with the parliament web site, Mr Gwynne, who now sits because the Impartial MP for Gorton and Denton, is being investigated particularly for “actions inflicting important harm to the status of the Home as a complete, or of its members usually”.
Mr Gwynne, 50, reportedly ‘joked’ a couple of pensioner constituent, saying he hoped she died earlier than the following election, in accordance with the Mail on Sunday.
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The WhatsApp chat contained Labour councillors, celebration officers and not less than one different MP.
In a press release following the revelations, Mr Gwynne stated he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged feedback” and apologised for any offence brought on.
He stated: “I’ve served the Labour Get together all my life and it was an enormous honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.
“I solely perceive the selections the PM and the celebration have taken and, whereas very unhappy to have been suspended, will help them in any method I can.”
The investigation into Mr Gwynne was opened on 18 February 2025 and is related to paragraph 11 of the members’ code of conduct which states MPs “shall by no means undertake any motion which might trigger important harm to the status and integrity of the Home of Commons as a complete, or of its members usually”.
In addition to taking motion towards Mr Gwynne, the Labour Get together additionally suspended newly-elected Burnley MP Oliver Ryan over feedback made within the WhatsApp group.
The 29-year-old apologised and said he “deeply regrets” the remarks he made, which a authorities supply stated had been “unacceptable and deeply disappointing”.
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Quantity 10 additionally stated the prime minister “won’t hesitate to take motion” when ministers don’t uphold excessive requirements.
Requested if Sir Keir Starmer anticipated ministers to name out derogatory remarks in WhatsApp teams, his official spokesman informed reporters: “He is made clear… his dedication to uphold excessive requirements of conduct in public workplace and lead authorities in service of working folks.
The spokesman added Sir Keir “won’t hesitate to take motion towards any minister who fails to satisfy these requirements, as he has finished on this case”.
