Burnley MP Oliver Ryan is being investigated by the Labour Party over “unacceptable and deeply disappointing” comments in a WhatsApp group.
Mr Ryan said he was a member of the WhatsApp chat that MP Andrew Gwynne was sacked as a minister over and apologised for some of his own comments “which I deeply regret and would not make today”.
“Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne,” he said in a statement posted on X.
— Oliver Ryan MP (@OliverRyanUK) February 9, 2025
“Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them.
“I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong.
“I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said.
“I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise.
“I will co-operate fully with the Labour Party’s investigation.”
An investigation is under way into the WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers, which is said to include more than a dozen Labour councillors and party officials.
A Government source said: “Oliver Ryan’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply disappointing.
“While a Labour Party investigation is already under way, the chief whip will also be speaking to him and no action is off the table.”
