STORY
Oliver Ryan, who was elected as the Labour MP for Burnley at the 2024 General Election, has been suspended by the party following his membership and involvement of a controversial WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers. Ryan said in a statement:
“Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne.
Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them. I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong. I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said.
I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that I wholeheartedly apologise.
I will cooperate fully with the Labour Party’s investigation.”
A spokesperson for the Labour Party said in a statement:
“As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party. As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was immediately launched and this process is ongoing in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures.”