UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Housing minister Matthew Pennycook condemned ex-health minister Andrew Gwynne’s remarks and stated that the Labour leader acted decisively to dismiss him.
Mr Pennycook called Andrew Gwynne’s comments about a pensioner constituent in a WhatsApp group inappropriate.
What did Matthew Pennycook say about former health minister Andrew Gwynne’s comments?
During an interview on Sky News with Trevor Phillips, the housing minister condemned the remarks by Mr Gwynee.
Mr Pennycook stated that he hadn’t seen the specific details of the group chat but praised Keir Starmer for taking swift action in removing Mr Gwynne from his position as minister.
He stated,
“I haven’t seen the details of those specific WhatsApp conversations in question, but the comments that Andrew Gwynne made, let’s be clear, are completely unacceptable.”
Referring to the party’s discipline, Mr Pennycook said the prime minister has made it clear since taking office that maintaining the highest standards in public office is a priority, with a focus on serving working people with integrity.
When asked about Mr Gwynne’s removal from his ministerial role, he stated that the Prime Minister “acted decisively to dismiss Andrew Gwynne for that reason.”
Responding to a question on whether further investigation was needed for others involved in the WhatsApp group, Mr Pennycook stated,
“The public can see that the prime minister acted decisively in dismissing Andrew Gwynne, and if any other Labour MP or minister fails to meet the standard, he will take the necessary action.”
Why was Health Minister Andrew Gwynne sacked?
Andrew Gwynne was removed as Health Minister over allegations of antisemitic and racist statements in WhatsApp chat.
In a message to a constituent, he allegedly wrote,
“Dear resident, F*** your bins. I won re-election without your vote. Screw you. PS: Hopefully, you won’t be around by the all-outs.”
He is also accused of making comments about Labour MP Diane Abbott and sexist remarks about Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in a group that included party officials and councillors.
How did the government spokesperson respond to Andrew Gwynne’s comments?
A government spokesperson stated, “The prime minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people. He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case.”
Labour officials have announced the suspension of Mr Gwynne from the party. They said an investigation into WhatsApp messages is ongoing, stressing that anyone found violating the party’s code of conduct will face immediate disciplinary actions.
What was Andrew Gwynne’s stance on his inappropriate remarks?
Mr Gwnne posted on X, “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused. I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.”
I deeply regret my badly misjudged commments and apologise for any offense I’ve caused. I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer. 1/2
— Andrew Gwynne MP (@GwynneMP) February 8, 2025
Before his removal, he was a junior minister in the Department of Health and Care and worked closely with Wes Streeting’s team.
How did the Conservative Party react to Andrew Gwynne’s sacking over his alleged comments?
A shadow Cabinet Office minister, Alex Burghart said Mr Gwynne’s remarks appear to align with the Labour Party’s broader views on elderly voters.
He said that his comments described a constituent as “too Jewish.”
Mr Burghart stated that the WhatsApp group included several Labour members and questioned why no one intervened at that time. He added that if action is not taken against all involved, it signals an ongoing problem in the Labour Party.