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Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to expand his party’s inquiry into accusations regarding inappropriate messages shared in a WhatsApp group, which has already resulted in the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne, a former health minister.
The 50-year-old representative for Gorton and Denton has also been suspended from the Labour Party after allegations surfaced claiming he had circulated “antisemitic”, “sexist”, and “racist” messages within a group labeled Trigger Me Timbers.
While Mr. Gwynne has expressed remorse and is currently under investigation, concerns are mounting that additional Labour MPs and councillors believed to be part of the group may have been complicit or neglected to report these unsettling comments.
The Conservative Party has urged for a broader investigation following this incident.
Richard Holden, acting shadow paymaster general for the Tories, remarked: ”With such vile commentary coming from senior figures within Labour, it should be Sir Keir Starmer’s foremost priority to fully uncover all aspects of this matter.”
“Sir Keir cannot resort to bureaucratic delays in taking decisive actions—particularly with indications suggesting other MPs, councillors, and party members were also implicated,” he added.
According to sources cited by the Mail on Sunday, one message allegedly sent by Mr. Gwynne was an offensive reply directed at a complaint made by a 72-year-old constituent. He reportedly wrote: “Dear resident, F*** your bins. I’m re-elected without needing your vote; screw you! PS: Hopefully you won’t be around for the next election.”
The claims further include racist comments aimed at veteran MP Diane Abbott as well as sexist remarks regarding Angela Rayner, who serves as deputy prime minister.
