Greater Manchester Police has said that a “non-crime hate incident” has been recorded after a health minister was sacked over the weekend following comments made in a WhatsApp group chat. Former health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked over the weekend after the emergence of offensive comments made in a WhatsApp group. Meanwhile, Oliver Ryan, the MP for Burnley who was elected last summer, is under investigation over comments in the same group and is expected to meet with the chief whip on Monday.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We have received a small number of complaints relating to publicised messages allegedly from a WhatsApp group. “A non-crime hate incident has been recorded and we are in contact with our Parliamentary liaison as part of our initial enquiries.”. Earlier on Monday, Number 10 said that Sir Keir Starmer “will not hesitate to take action” when ministers do not uphold high standards.
Asked if the Prime Minister expected ministers to call out derogatory remarks in WhatsApp groups, his official spokesman told reporters: “He’s made clear… his determination to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead Government in service of working people. “You saw the statement over the weekend, and he will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has done in this case.”.
