Mr Gwynne reportedly made antisemitic comments and “joked” about a pensioner constituent
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been sacked after making offensive remarks in a Labour Party WhatsApp group, including antisemitic comments and disparaging remarks about a constituent.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Mr Gwynne joked about an elderly voter, saying he hoped she would die before the next election.
The WhatsApp group, which included Labour councillors, party officials, and at least one other MP, also contained racist comments about Labour MP Diane Abbott and sexist remarks about Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
A government spokesperson confirmed the sacking, saying: “The Prime Minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people. He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case.”
Labour also confirmed that Mr Gwynne had been suspended from the party while an investigation is carried out. “We are investigating comments made in this WhatsApp group in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures,” a party spokesperson said.
“Swift action will be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.”
In a statement, Mr Gwynne apologised for his remarks, admitting they had been “badly misjudged.”
“I deeply regret my comments and any offence they have caused,” he said.
“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 Prime Minister and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, will support them in any way I can.”
This story is being updated.