Labour lawmaker Andrew Gwynne has been dismissed from his role as junior health minister by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following what he described as “badly misjudged” comments. The decision marks another challenge for Starmer’s
government, which has faced multiple controversies in its first seven months in power despite securing a landslide victory in the July 2024 general election.
According to reports, Gwynne was dismissed as soon as Starmer became aware of his remarks. In addition to losing his ministerial role, he has also been suspended from the Labour Party.
– Media sources claim that Gwynne made anti-Semitic comments in a WhatsApp group with Labour councillors, party officials, and at least one other MP.
– He allegedly made offensive remarks and joked about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck.
Following his dismissal, Gwynne issued an apology on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused. I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken.”
A government spokesperson reaffirms Starmer’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public office, stating:
“The Prime Minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct and serve the working people. He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards.”
This is the second major scandal within Starmer’s government in recent months. In November 2024, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh resigned after it was revealed that she had previously pleaded guilty to a criminal offence before becoming an MP.
Haigh’s resignation was the first by a member of Starmer’s cabinet since Labour took power on July 4, 2024, ending the Conservative Party’s 14-year rule.
With growing scrutiny over ministerial conduct, Starmer’s leadership faces mounting pressure to maintain public trust and party unity.
AFP
