A FORMER Tameside councillor is being investigated over “unacceptable and deeply disappointing” WhatsApp comments that saw Andrew Gwynne sacked as a minister.
Oliver Ryan, who represented Audenshaw, is the second MP caught in the furore after Denton’s political representative lost his job for what was said in the Trigger Me Timbers group.
Dating back to his time on Tameside Council, Mr Ryan – now MP for Burnley in Lancashire – has apologised for statements “which I deeply regret and would not make today.”
But that has not stopped the Labour Party launching an investigation after Mr Gwynne was axed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention.
In a statement, Mr Ryan said: “Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne.
“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 cooperate fully with the Labour Party’s investigation.”
It is believed the WhatsApp group in which the messages – including seemingly sexist and racist remarks, as well as other derogatory terms – appeared has all nine sitting Denton councillors among its more than 40 participants.
And those among the group – including current Tameside Council cabinet members Cllrs Claire Reid, Allison Gwynne – who is chair of the overview panel, and Jack Naylor – may now be reviewing their actions.
Denton councillors also occupy senior positions on committees, with Denise Ward chair of Speaker’s Panel (Liquor Licensing), Vincent Ricci chair of Speaker’s Panel (Planning) and Brenda Warrington chair of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel.
Now an investigation, which may involve the Gorton and Denton Constituency Labour Party and Tameside Council as well as the national party, has begun.
And 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.”