Andrew Gwynne, a junior minister in the British government’s health department, was dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday following the revelation of offensive WhatsApp messages. The messages, which contained antisemitic and sexist remarks, were first reported by the Daily Mail on Sunday and have led to Gwynne’s suspension from the Labour Party.
In a statement on social media platform X, Gwynne expressed regret, calling his remarks a “badly misjudged” mistake. “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologize for any offense I’ve caused,” he wrote. “I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, will support them in any way I can.”
Leaked Messages Spark Outrage
The messages, obtained by The Daily Mail, included a shocking exchange in which Gwynne joked about an elderly constituent who had inquired about bin collection. He suggested responding:
“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.”*
Additionally, messages from a Labour-affiliated WhatsApp group, “Trigger Me Timbers,” included comments about names sounding “too Jewish” and “too materialistic.” In another exchange, Gwynne mocked antisemitism concerns by writing, “Geoffrey the Giraffe says don’t be nasty to the Jews,” despite previously condemning antisemitism after his membership in a Facebook group known for antisemitic content was exposed.
Labour Takes Action
A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed Gwynne’s immediate administrative suspension and an internal investigation. “Andrew Gwynne has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party. We are investigating comments made in this WhatsApp group in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures. Swift action will be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.”
Calls for Resignation
The scandal has prompted strong condemnation from Jewish community leaders. Gary Mond, Chairman of the UK’s National Jewish Assembly, called for Gwynne’s resignation from Parliament.
“Occasionally in public life, the true beliefs of senior politicians emerge, and they paint an appalling picture of their characters. This is one such example. Gwynne’s disgraceful comment wishing a non-Labour voter dead and his antisemitic remarks render him unfit for public office. Furthermore, he should resign from Parliament,” Mond told the Jerusalem Post.
While Gwynne’s future in politics remains uncertain, his removal underscores Labour’s ongoing struggle with antisemitism allegations—a controversy that has plagued the party for years.