The Labour Party has been rocked by yet another scandal, this time involving the suspension of 11 councillors over their membership in a WhatsApp group that led to a minister’s sacking. The majority of those suspended are from Tameside Council, with two councillors hailing from Stockport Council.
This latest debacle follows the dismissal of health minister Andrew Gwynne from the frontbench after messages he reportedly posted in the group came to light. His wife, Alison Gwynne, is also among those now suspended. In addition, Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has been stripped of the Labour whip for comments made in the same chat.
Labour’s Response and Growing Turmoil
A Labour Party spokesperson attempted to put a firm stance on the matter, stating:
“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.”
However, for many within the party and the public, this response feels like mere damage control rather than evidence of a party truly committed to eradicating misconduct within its ranks.
The full list of suspended councillors includes:
- Councillor Claire Reid
- Councillor Jack Naylor
- Councillor George Newton
- Councillor Vincent Ricci
- Councillor Charlotte Martin
- Councillor Allison Gwynne
- Councillor George Jones
- Councillor Brenda Warrington
- Councillor Denise Ward
- Councillor David Sedgwick (Stockport Council)
- Councillor Holly McCormack (Stockport Council)
Their suspension follows three other Labour councillors from Tameside Council—Jack Naylor, Claire Reid, and George Newton—who had already “stepped away” from their executive roles amidst the unfolding scandal.
A Culture of Scandal and Hypocrisy
What makes this incident even more damaging for Labour is the repeated pattern of misconduct being unearthed within its ranks. The case of Oliver Ryan is particularly embarrassing, as his comments—described by sources as “unacceptable and deeply disappointing”—highlight how problematic elements continue to thrive within the party. His apology, in which he claimed to “deeply regret” the remarks and pledged to “cooperate fully” with the investigation, does little to mitigate the damage already done.
Similarly, Andrew Gwynne’s disgraceful comments, reportedly antisemitic and grossly inappropriate regarding a pensioner constituent, further tarnish the credibility of Labour’s so-called commitment to high moral standards. His dismissal from the frontbench comes amid a pattern of high-profile resignations and suspensions, including former treasury minister Tulip Siddiq and ex-transport minister Louise Haigh.
Starmer’s Failed ‘Clean-Up’ Operation
Labour leader Keir Starmer has long positioned himself as the man to bring integrity back to the party following the manufactured ‘controversies’ of the Corbyn era. However, this latest scandal exposes the gaping flaws in his approach. Instead of decisively ridding the party of ‘toxic behaviour’, his leadership has seen a steady drip-feed of damaging revelations.
The WhatsApp scandal demonstrates that the so-called “clean-up” operation is little more than a farce. Despite Starmer’s rhetoric, inappropriate behaviour persists within Labour ranks, and his leadership appears reactionary rather than proactive. The swift suspensions may give the illusion of a strong response, but the very fact that these incidents continue to emerge suggests systemic failings that have not been adequately addressed.
The Broader Implications
With a general election looming, Labour cannot afford to let scandals like this continue to define its internal culture. Every new controversy weakens Starmer’s ability to present his party as a credible alternative to the Conservatives. If Labour truly wants to win back public trust, it must go beyond belated suspensions and performative condemnations. Real change requires a root-and-branch overhaul of party culture, a move that Starmer has repeatedly failed to deliver.
For now, the Labour leader may claim he is “cleaning up” the party, but the growing pile of scandals suggests otherwise. If anything, this latest episode proves that the rot within Labour is a phenomenon created by Starmer’s supporters. His credibility on this issue is now hanging by a thread.
