NEWS STORY : Oliver Ryan Suspended from Labour Party

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.”