Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Swipe for next article

Independent Bulletin homepage

Download our
Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

The ‘vile’ and ‘racist’ WhatsApp messages sent by Labour councillors

Video Player Placeholder
Related: Burnham denies that he was told he'd be blocked from running in Westminster
  • An independent report has revealed that Labour councillors made "vile" and "racist" remarks in a WhatsApp group chat.
  • The report, commissioned by Tameside Council, found that six councillors displayed a "complete disregard" for standards in public life.
  • Specific incidents included former MP Andrew Gwynne wishing a constituent would "croak", Jack Naylor making an antisemitic joke, and George Newton making "racist" comments.
  • Derogatory remarks were also made about political figures like Angela Rayner and Dianne Abbott, and an elderly neurodivergent Labour supporter was insulted.
  • The findings led to Andrew Gwynne's suspension from the Labour Party and his resignation as an MP, triggering a by-election in Gorton and Denton.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in