British PM Starmer Sacks Health Minister Over WhatsApp Messages

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Health Minister Andrew Gwynne following the emergence of inappropriate WhatsApp messages. Gwynne acknowledged that his remarks were “badly misjudged” and apologized for any offence caused.

A government spokesperson emphasized Starmer’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public office, stating that he would take swift action against any minister who failed to uphold them.

Gwynne, 50, expressed regret in a post on X, saying he understood the decision and, despite his disappointment, would continue to support Starmer and the Labour Party. A Labour spokesperson confirmed that Gwynne had been administratively suspended from the party pending an investigation into his messages, which would be handled in accordance with party rules.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Gwynne’s messages included a remark wishing death upon a 72-year-old woman who had written to her local councillor about bin collections. He also allegedly made sexist comments about Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner and racist remarks about Labour MP Diane Abbott.

Labour has vowed to take decisive action if any party member is found to have breached its standards.