Become a Member
News

Health Minister sacked for insulting and ‘antisemitic’ Whatsapp comments

Andrew Gwynne previously served as Minister without Portfolio under Jeremy Corbyn

February 9, 2025 10:59
Andrew Gwynne, Labour's shadow Communities Secretary
Andrew Gwynne MP for Gorton and Denton
1 min read

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been sacked and suspended from the Labour Party following comments he made in a WhatsApp group, including calling a surname “too Jewish” and “too militaristic”.

The Mail on Sunday reported that in a WhatsApp discussion about an upcoming Labour meeting, a member of the group asked whether the late American psychologist, Marshall Rosenberg, an expert in conflict management, would be attending.  Gwynne said: “No. He sounds too militaristic and too Jewish. Is he in Mossad?”

After the story appeared Gwynne, 50, wrote: “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologised for any offence I’ve caused”, adding “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.”

The MP for Gorton and Denton previously served in the shadow cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn as Shadow Minister without Portfolio. When Corbyn was criticised for antisemitism, Gwynne said he must work to “rebuild trust” with the Jewish community.