Andrew Gwynne: Ex-Labour minister sacked over WhatsApp messages now investigated by parliamentary watchdog

An MP who was sacked as a health minister after he reportedly posted offensive messages in a WhatsApp group is being investigated by parliament’s standards watchdog.

Andrew Gwynne, who was also suspended from the Labour Party earlier this month, is listed among the allegations under investigation by Daniel Greenberg, the standards commissioner.

According to the parliament website, Mr Gwynne, who now sits as the Independent MP for Gorton and Denton, is being investigated specifically for “actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House as a whole, or of its members generally”.

Mr Gwynne, 50, reportedly ‘joked’ about a pensioner constituent, saying he hoped she died before the next election, according to the Mail on Sunday.

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The WhatsApp chat contained Labour councillors, party officials and at least one other MP.

In a statement following the revelations, Mr Gwynne said he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged comments” and apologised for any offence caused.

He said: “I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.

“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.”

The investigation into Mr Gwynne was opened on 18 February 2025 and is relevant to paragraph 11 of the members’ code of conduct which states MPs “shall never undertake any action which would cause significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons as a whole, or of its members generally”.

As well as taking action against Mr Gwynne, the Labour Party also suspended newly-elected Burnley MP Oliver Ryan over comments made in the WhatsApp group.

The 29-year-old apologised and said he “deeply regrets” the remarks he made, which a government source said were “unacceptable and deeply disappointing”.

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Number 10 also said the prime minister “will not hesitate to take action” when ministers do not uphold high standards.

Asked if Sir Keir Starmer expected ministers to call out derogatory remarks in WhatsApp groups, his official spokesman told reporters: “He’s made clear… his determination to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead government in service of working people.

The spokesman added Sir Keir “will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has done in this case”.