UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Andrew Gwynne, a junior health minister, from his position following controversial remarks, marking another challenge for the Labour government just seven months into its tenure. Gwynne has also been suspended from the Labour Party, amid allegations of anti-Semitic comments.
The decision came swiftly after the prime minister became aware of the remarks, which were reportedly shared by Gwynne in a WhatsApp group involving Labour councillors, party officials, and at least one other MP. The messages, as reported by the Mail on Sunday, included anti-Semitic slights and a joke about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Gwynne expressed remorse for his comments. “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused,” he wrote. “I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken.”
A government spokesperson reaffirmed Starmer’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public office, stating, “The Prime Minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people. He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards.”
This incident follows the resignation of Louise Haigh as transport secretary in November, after it was revealed she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence prior to becoming an MP. Her departure was the first from Starmer’s cabinet since Labour’s landslide victory in July 2024, which ended the Conservative Party’s 14 years in power.