The House of Commons Committee on Standards has recommended that former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne be stripped of his parliamentary security pass due to his participation in a WhatsApp group that contained discriminatory language. The committee found that Gwynne, who represented Gorton and Denton, caused 'significant damage to the reputation and integrity' of the Commons.
The group, named 'Trigger Me Timbers', was found to include 'homophobic, racist, ableist, or other discriminatory language'. Gwynne's involvement, including the nature and volume of messages he wrote, his active participation, and his failure to challenge discriminatory posts from others, led to the committee's conclusion that he breached the Commons code of conduct.
In its 50-page report, the committee recommended Gwynne's parliamentary pass be revoked immediately. It also stated that if he were still a sitting MP, it would have recommended a period of suspension. The committee expressed regret that Gwynne was issued a former Member's pass before the inquiry concluded and intends to seek rule changes to prevent similar situations.
Gwynne, a former health minister, resigned from Parliament in January on medical grounds. He had previously acknowledged his language in the WhatsApp group was 'inappropriate and unacceptable' and has expressed remorse. He has reportedly written to those affected by his messages and hopes to apologize in person.
The investigation into Gwynne's actions began in February of the previous year. His resignation from the Commons came after a period of significant ill-health, which he stated was exacerbated by 'last year's events'.
The committee's findings of 'racist, sexist and homophobic behaviour' were based on the repeated nature of messages over time, indicating a pattern of behavior. The committee's report noted that Gwynne had written to those about whom he had written messages covered in the inquiry and hoped to apologize in person in due course.
Former MPs are typically granted security passes, allowing them unescorted access to the parliamentary estate, the ability to hold meetings, and use of subsidized facilities. However, these passes have become a point of controversy due to concerns about potential lobbying. The number of former Member passes issued has increased significantly in recent years, with 463 former MPs holding passes as of the latest figures, compared to 306 in January 2023.
In a separate incident in February 2023, former Labour MP Chris Williamson had his parliamentary pass suspended due to concerns over his work for Iranian state television.