Second Labour MP loses whip in WhatsApp scandal

A second Labour MP has been suspended from the party amid a row over alleged sexist, homophobic and racist messages in a constituency WhatsApp group.

- DAVID MADDOX

Labour has announced that Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended from the party after a meeting with the chief whip Sir Alan Campbell this afternoon.

The scandal had already cost Andrew Gwynne his job as a junior health minister, and now Mr Ryan, who used to be his assistant, has also been suspended by the party. It comes amid claims that the WhatsApp group – titled “Trigger Me Timbers” – had been flagged to the party a year ago by a local councillor.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party.

“As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was immediately launched, and this process is ongoing in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures. Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.”