Six Labour councillors have been found to have breached standards rules in a 'vile' WhatsApp chat, dealing a fresh blow to the party's campaign for a key byelection. The independent investigation into the 'Trigger Me Timbers' group, which also involved former health minister Andrew Gwynne, concluded that the councillors showed 'complete disregard' for standards in public life.
The findings, due to be considered by Tameside council next week, come less than four weeks before the Gorton and Denton byelection expected on 26 February. Gwynne, who retired as MP for the seat last week, was suspended last year over offensive messages including one hoping a 72-year-old woman 'croaks it' before an election.
Councillor George Newton was found to have made 'several remarks that a reasonable person would find racist' about Labour MP Nav Mishra. Another, Jack Naylor, was judged to have made an antisemitic joke by altering Elton John lyrics to 'And I guess that's why she hates all the Jews'. Both have been expelled by Labour but continue as independent councillors.
Naylor will tell councillors his comment was 'ill-judged and inappropriate' but strongly contests any accusation of antisemitism. Newton said he regretted his 'childish' language but claimed the messages were 'private jokes on a private messaging platform'. Two others, including Gwynne's wife Allison Gwynne, were suspended for six months, while former council leader Brenda Warrington received a written warning.
The controversy has reignited local anger and prompted protests, with some describing the local Labour group as 'toxic'. Labour faces a challenge from Reform UK and the Green party in the byelection, which could overturn a 13,000-vote majority.
