February 11th 2025.
Labour's Oliver Ryan, a newly-elected MP for Burnley, has found himself in the middle of a political storm after being involved in a controversial WhatsApp group chat. The group, named 'Trigger Me Timbers', has caused quite a stir within the party, resulting in nearly a dozen councillors being suspended and two MPs losing their whip.
Among those suspended is Allison Gwynne, the wife of former health minister Andrew Gwynne, who was sacked for making offensive comments in the chat. Other high-profile members of the group include former council leader Brenda Warrington and Claire Reid, a member of Labour's national policy forum.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party has stated that a thorough investigation is underway and swift action will be taken against any individuals found to have breached the party's high standards. Ms. Gwynne is among those who have been suspended and faces further scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.
This controversy comes on the heels of Mr. Gwynne's resignation from government and suspension from the Labour Party after it was revealed that he had made derogatory comments in the group chat. He reportedly joked about a constituent being "mown down" by a truck and expressed hopes that a 72-year-old woman would soon die. The MP for Gorton and Denton has since apologized for his remarks and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed him as a minister.
Another member of the group, Mr. Ryan, has also faced consequences for his involvement. He allegedly used an offensive nickname to refer to local Labour leader Colin Bailey and has also been sacked from his position.
In the wake of Mr. Gwynne's departure, Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, has been appointed as a minister at the Department of Health and Social Care. The Labour Party continues to investigate the group chat and take necessary action against those who have violated their standards.
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