Labour's Crucial Byelection Campaign Faces Fresh Crisis Over 'Vile' 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 a deeply offensive WhatsApp chat. The damaging findings emerge less than four weeks before the crucial contest expected on 26 February, creating substantial political headaches for Keir Starmer's party.
Damning Investigation Uncovers Multiple Standards Breaches
An independent investigation has concluded that the six Labour councillors showed "complete disregard" for standards in public life through their involvement in the controversial "Trigger Me Timners" WhatsApp group. The 94-page report, obtained by the Guardian, contains particularly serious findings against specific individuals.
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 references to 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
The scandal originally centred on Andrew Gwynne, the former health minister and MP for the south-east Manchester seat, who was suspended last year over messages he sent in the same WhatsApp group. Gwynne apologised again last week as he announced his retirement from Parliament, triggering the byelection that has now become mired in controversy.
Among Gwynne's most offensive messages were remarks hoping a 72-year-old woman would "croaks it" before an election, derogatory comments about Diane Abbott and Angela Rayner, and suggestions that a local cycling campaigner should be "mown down" by a lorry. He also made inappropriate remarks about someone sounding "too Jewish" and questioned whether they were connected to Mossad.
Wider Consequences and Local Fallout
The investigation followed a formal complaint about Labour figures making "disgusting, racist, sexist, homophobic and vile comments" in the private messaging group. The fallout has caused substantial public anger locally, prompting protests and calls for resignations.
Two other participants, Gwynne's wife Allison Gwynne and former Labour national policy forum member Claire Reid, received six-month suspensions for their involvement. Reid has since resigned as a councillor, while Allison Gwynne remains a Labour councillor. Two additional councillors, including former council leader Brenda Warrington, received written warnings but continue to sit as Labour representatives.
Political Context and Electoral Implications
The timing could hardly be worse for Labour, with the standards subcommittee due to consider the investigation findings on Monday next week, just days before campaigning intensifies for the byelection. Keir Starmer faces challenges from Nigel Farage's Reform UK and the Green Party, both of which believe they can overturn Labour's 13,000-vote majority in what would represent a significant blow to the Prime Minister.
Starmer's allies have denied claims that they sacrificed the constituency to rival parties after Andy Burnham, his potential leadership rival, was blocked from standing. However, the resurgence of the "Trigger Me Timners" controversy threatens to reignite local anger precisely as Starmer is expected to unveil his candidate for the crucial contest.
Defences and Apologies
In written statements, some of those involved have offered apologies while contesting aspects of the findings. Jack Naylor described his comment as "ill-judged and inappropriate" but strongly disputes accusations of antisemitism, offering a "full and unequivocal" apology for any offence caused.
George Newton expressed regret for his "childish" language but maintained he was making "private jokes on a private messaging platform" and did not believe he breached the councillors' code of conduct. He is understood to intend to apologise while disputing the investigator's interpretation of private texts exchanged in a group where there was "obviously a power dynamic at play."
Community Impact and Fear
The investigation heard disturbing evidence about the impact on local residents. A charity worker revealed that an elderly Labour supporter, who is neurodivergent, had been left "distraught" after being called a terrible name in the WhatsApp group, which teenagers subsequently shouted at him in the street.
Residents expressed feeling "disgusted" by comments about voters but were too frightened to complain for fear of retribution. One community member reported being told: "If you do not vote for us (ie Labour) you will be dead," highlighting the toxic atmosphere that has developed around local politics in the area.
The controversy has thrown an uncomfortable spotlight on a local Labour group that some have described as fundamentally "toxic," creating additional challenges for a party trying to maintain its stronghold in south-east Manchester amid growing competition from rival political forces.
