A Labour MP who was suspended over a series of offensive WhatsApp messages has had the party whip reinstated.
Oliver Ryan, 30, was suspended in February after details of the controversial “Trigger Me Timbers” group chat had been leaked to the press.
However, the Huffington Post has revealed that Mr Ryan was informed today that he will have the Labour whip restored when parliamentarians return to the House of Commons after the summer recess in September.
Meanwhile, ex-Health Minister Andrew Gwynne, who was also suspended over his involvement in the WhatsApp group, has been told that his status has not changed while an investigation continues.
A number Labour Councillors had also been reprimanded over their involvement in the group chat, with three being expelled, another three receiving six-month suspensions and two more being handed six-month suspensions.
Mr Ryan came under-fire after he appeared to mock a fellow Labour MP over his sexuality.
The 30-year-old, who is gay, also used an offensive nickname to refer to local Labour leader Colin Bailey.
In a statement released at the time of his suspension, Mr Ryan said: “I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said.
“I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise.”
Mr Gwynne, who still sits as the now-independent MP for Gorton & Denton, was suspended after his expletive rant about a local resident complaining about bin collections.
The 51-year-old suggested that the councillor should respond: “Dear resident, F**k your bins.
“I’m re-elected and without your vote. Screw you. PS: Hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the all-outs.”
Mr Gwynne was also found to have used an offensive remark about a Jewish person, writing: “Is he in Mossad?”
In another comment, the Greater Manchester MP appeared to suggest he wanted a cyclist to die.
Mr Gwynne also wrote: “I had positive visions of him getting mown down by an Elsa Waste HGV while he’s cycling to the Fallowfield Loop [cycle lane]. We couldn’t be that lucky!”
However, the former Shadow Communities Secretary issued a lengthy statement apologising for his remarks.
Mr Gwynne wrote: “I deeply regret my badly misjudged commments and apologise for any offense I’ve caused.
“I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer.
“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.”
There has been speculation that Mr Gwynne could look to vacate his seat at some point to provide Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham with a path back to Westminster.
A Labour Party spokesman said: “These matters have been investigated thoroughly, in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures.
“The Labour Party took swift action as soon as we became aware of the activity in this WhatsApp group.
“The party will not hesitate to take action against members who fall short of the high standards we expect, in line with our rules and procedures.
“We cannot comment further on any ongoing investigations.”
