Andrew Gwynne (Image: PA)
A former minister sacked over comments in a leaked WhatsApp group called a voter a “hag” and said she lived in a “s***” house, according to reports.
Andrew Gwynne was fired as a health minister and lost the Labour whip after offensive messages in the chat emerged over the weekend.
A second MP, Oliver Ryan, and 11 local councillors have also been suspended for their involvement in the “Trigger Me Timbers” group.
Further messages, reported by The Telegraph, show Mr Gwynne mocked a “hag” voter for living in a “s***” house.
He also suggested a prominent member of the community should be bullied, while another person in the group said she was “fat”.
Mr Gwynne asked: “Is there a how to bully … online course?”
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The Gorton and Denton MP said he hoped a pensioner, who did not vote Labour at the election but complained about bin collections, would die.
When a councillor shared a letter from the resident in the group chat, Mr Gwynne suggested the following response: “Dear resident, f*** your bins. I’m re-elected and without your vote. Screw you. PS: Hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the all-outs.”
Mr Gwynne said he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged comments” and apologised for “any offence caused” in a statement.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, a group of councillors have been administratively suspended from the Labour Party.
“As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was launched in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures and this process is ongoing.
“Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.”