Junior minister sacked by PM Starmer over offensive WhatsApp messages
1. British govt spox says PM Starmer is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office
LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked junior health minister Andrew Gwynne and suspended him from the Labour Party after he sent offensive WhatsApp messages about constituents and fellow MPs, which he later admitted were "badly misjudged."
Following a report by the Mail on Sunday, Gwynne issued an apology on social media platform X, expressing regret for his remarks.
"I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused," he wrote.
Acknowledging his dismissal, he added: "I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, will support them in any way I can."
A government spokesperson emphasized Starmer’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public office.
"He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case," the spokesperson stated.
Labour secured a large majority in last July’s election, but recent opinion polls indicate a decline in the party's popularity, with challenges arising from early missteps over donations and economic growth.
Last month, Tulip Siddiq resigned as minister responsible for financial services and fighting corruption following scrutiny over her financial ties to Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladeshi prime minister ousted last year. Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing.
In November, transport minister Louise Haigh also stepped down after admitting to a minor criminal offence from before her time in government, related to a wrongly reported stolen mobile phone.
