Labour Councillors' 'Vile' WhatsApp Remarks Exposed in Damning Racism Report
An independent investigation has uncovered shocking evidence of "vile" and "racist" remarks made by Labour councillors in a private WhatsApp group chat, leading to multiple suspensions and significant political fallout in Greater Manchester. The damning report, commissioned by Tameside Council, reveals a culture of "complete disregard" for standards in public life among elected officials.
Investigation Findings and Suspensions
The inquiry, conducted by investigator Linda Comstive, examined the conduct of six Labour councillors who were members of the WhatsApp group titled "Trigger Me Timbers." The group's exchanges came to light in February last year, prompting the suspension of 11 Labour councillors by the party. The report specifically focused on councillors Alison Gwynne, Brenda Warrington, George Newton, Claire Reid, Jack Naylor, and George Jones.
Among the most alarming findings was that one councillor, Jack Naylor, made an antisemitic joke by altering the lyrics of an Elton John song to "And I guess that's why she hates all the Jews." In a written statement, Naylor offered a full apology, stating: "There is no justification for my involvement, irrespective of any inexperience – I take full responsibility for my actions; and for any offence caused, regardless of my intent, I am truly sorry."
Another councillor, George Newton, was found to have "persistently abused and denigrated" individuals using remarks that "a reasonable person would find racist." Newton expressed regret for his "childish" language but defended the comments as "private jokes on a private messaging platform."
Impact on Community and Political Fallout
The WhatsApp chat also included derogatory remarks about former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and former Labour MP Dianne Abbott, as well as a reference by Andrew Gwynne to someone as "too Jewish." The fallout from these comments has had a profound impact on the local community. A charity worker reported to the investigator that one elderly Labour supporter, who is neurodivergent, was left "distraught" after being called a "terrible name" in the group, with teenagers later hounding him in the street using the same insult.
The worker added: "People in the community feel that there is no one they can turn to, as there is no local Labour councillor representing them and no Labour MP; they are too scared of having their coffee morning resources taken away or bins not emptied. They have been told if you do not vote for us (ie Labour), you will be dead."
By-Election Context and Party Response
The report's findings come at a critical time, less than four weeks before the Gorton and Denton by-election expected on 26 February. This by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who was suspended from the party over his involvement in the WhatsApp group. Gwynne had written that he hoped a 72-year-old female constituent "croaks" before the next general election after she inquired about her bins.
The contest has further divided Labour, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer blocking Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate, leading to accusations of a "stitch-up" to prevent a potential leadership challenge. Andrew Gwynne apologised for the group chat content upon stepping down as an MP, while the Labour Party has declined to comment on the report. Councillor Alison Gwynne and Claire Reid, who has since resigned, were suspended by the party for six months.
This scandal underscores ongoing concerns about conduct and accountability within political parties, particularly in the lead-up to significant electoral events.
