Ryan suspended by Labour Party over Trigger Me Timber leaks

A former Tameside councillor turned Burnley MP has been suspended from the Labour Party over his membership of the Labour Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp page.

Oliver Ryan - who represented Audenshaw on Tameside Council until 2022 - was summoned to a meeting with Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell, after his messages were revealed.

He follows Andrew Gwynne, who was also sacked as a health minister, in losing the whip over his participation in the WhatsApp group in which 'racist and sexist' messages were shared between Tameside Labour Party members.

apologising, Ryan said: "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."

The messages show Ryan mocking a Labour MP for his sexuality, and denigrating the vice-chairman of the local Labour Party.

In a statement, a Labour spokesperson said: "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.

"Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members."