Labour Party Suspends 11 Councillors Following Offensive WhatsApp Group Revelations
On 11 February 2025, the Labour Party suspended 11 councillors from Tameside and Stockport councils in Greater Manchester due to their involvement in a WhatsApp group named "Trigger Me Timbers," which contained offensive messages. This action follows the earlier suspension of two Labour MPs, Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, for their participation in the same group.
The suspended councillors include former Tameside Council leader Brenda Warrington, Claire Reid—a member of Labour's national policy forum—and Allison Gwynne, wife of Andrew Gwynne. The WhatsApp group, active between 2019 and 2022, reportedly featured messages with racist, sexist, and derogatory content.
A Labour Party spokesperson stated: "As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, a group of councillors have been administratively suspended from the Labour Party. 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. Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found."
The suspensions have led to significant upheaval within the Tameside Labour group. Some members have expressed frustration, feeling implicated by association despite not actively participating in the offensive discussions. One senior member commented: "I know from talking to councillors ..., it looks like they've been involved, but they've never posted anything on."
The Labour Party has emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its members and has pledged to take decisive action against those who breach these standards. The investigation into the WhatsApp group's activities is ongoing, and further disciplinary measures may be implemented as more information emerges.
Image: Number 10/Flickr
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