Labour's Crucial Byelection Campaign Faces Fresh Crisis Over Offensive WhatsApp Messages
Labour's campaign for the vital Gorton and Denton byelection has been dealt a significant blow following revelations that six local councillors have been found to have breached standards rules through their participation in what has been described as a "vile" WhatsApp chat. The damaging findings come less than four weeks before the crucial vote expected on 26 February, creating substantial political headaches for Keir Starmer's party.
Independent Investigation Uncovers Multiple Standards Breaches
A comprehensive 94-page independent investigation has concluded that the Labour councillors showed "complete disregard" for standards in public life through their involvement in the controversial "Trigger Me Timbers" WhatsApp group. The report, which will be considered by Tameside council's standards subcommittee next week, contains particularly damning findings about specific individuals' conduct.
One councillor, George Newton, was judged to have made "several remarks that a reasonable person would find racist" about Labour MP Nav Mishra. Another, Jack Naylor, was found to have made an antisemitic joke by altering lyrics to an Elton John song to include offensive content about Jewish people. Both Newton and Naylor have since been expelled from the Labour party but continue to represent Denton as independent councillors.
Former Minister's Controversial Retirement Announcement
The controversy has resurfaced at a particularly sensitive time, coinciding with former health minister Andrew Gwynne's retirement announcement as MP for the south-east Manchester seat. Gwynne, who was suspended last year over offensive messages he sent in the same WhatsApp group, apologised again last week for his conduct.
The investigation revealed that Gwynne had made numerous offensive comments, including suggesting someone "sounds too Jewish" and "too militaristic" from their name, asking if they were "in Mossad," making derogatory remarks about Diane Abbott and Angela Rayner, and joking that a local cycling campaigner should be "mown down" by a lorry. He also suggested a local vicar should be "burned on a bonfire."
Wider Impact on Local Community and Political Landscape
The messages have caused substantial public anger locally, prompting protests and calls for resignations. The investigation heard that residents were "disgusted" by comments about voters but were too frightened to complain for fear of retribution. A charity worker reported that an elderly Labour supporter, who is neurodivergent, had been left "distraught" after being called a "terrible name" in the WhatsApp group, which teenagers had since shouted at him in the street.
Community members expressed feeling that "there is no one they can turn to, as there is no local Labour councillor representing them and no Labour MP; they are too scared of having their coffee morning resources taken away or bins not emptied." Some reported being told "if you do not vote for us (ie Labour) you will be dead," highlighting the toxic political environment that has developed.
Disciplinary Actions and Political Fallout
Beyond Newton and Naylor's expulsions, other participants have faced varying degrees of disciplinary action. Gwynne's wife, Allison Gwynne, and Claire Reid, a former member of Labour's national policy forum, were suspended for six months for their role in the group. Reid has since resigned as a councillor, while Allison Gwynne remains a Labour councillor. Two others, including former council leader Brenda Warrington, received written warnings but continue to sit as Labour councillors.
Naylor has indicated he will tell councillors that his comment was "ill-judged and inappropriate" but strongly contests any accusation of antisemitism. In a written statement, he offered a "full and unequivocal" apology, stating: "There is no justification for my involvement, irrespective of any inexperience – I take full responsibility for my actions; and for any offence caused, regardless of my intent, I am truly sorry."
Broader Political Implications for Labour
The timing of this scandal could not be worse for Labour, coming just weeks before a crucial byelection where Keir Starmer faces challenges from Nigel Farage's Reform UK and the Green party. Both opposition parties fancy their chances of overturning Labour's 13,000-vote majority in what would represent a significant blow to the prime minister's authority.
Starmer's allies have denied claims that they have sacrificed the constituency to a rival party after Andy Burnham, his potential leadership rival, was blocked from standing for election. However, the resurgence of the "Trigger Me Timbers" controversy threatens to reignite local anger precisely when Starmer is expected to unveil his candidate for the byelection.
The investigation followed a formal complaint about Gwynne and other Labour figures making "disgusting, racist, sexist, homophobic and vile comments" in the private messaging group. Newton told investigators he regretted his "childish" language but maintained he was making "private jokes on a private messaging platform" and did not believe he had breached the councillors' code of conduct "because it was a private conversation."
It is understood that Newton intends to apologise for the messages but will dispute the investigator's interpretation of the private texts, arguing there was "obviously a power dynamic at play" within the group. The controversy has thrown a harsh spotlight on a local Labour group that some have described as "toxic," creating significant challenges for the party as it seeks to maintain its hold on the constituency in the forthcoming byelection.
