Andrew Gwynne is to stand down as MP for Gorton & Denton
In a statement released this afternoon he said that he has suffered significant ill health which was ‘greatly exacerbated’ by the leaking of racist and sexist WhatsApp messages.
He added that he ‘sincerely and humbly’ apologises to those he has upset, offended and angered
“Over those years I haven’t got everything right and I’ve certainly made mistakes, but I’ve always tried my very best and I have helped tens of thousands of constituents with their issues along the way.”
His statement includes a letter from his doctor frabout his condition which says there is a ‘marked dissociation between the front he shows the world and the reality of his situation. The GP says he is ‘extremely vulnerable’ and it is not safe for him to return as an MP
Confirming his resignation, he adds: “There will be a by-election soon and I wish my successor, whoever it is, all the very best in representing what I consider to be the best constituency in the UK.”
He was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
Gwynne stepped down after messages from the private WhatsApp group were circulated when he mocked a constituent, saying,
“Dear resident, fuck your bins. I’m reelected and without your vote. Screw you. Hopefully you’ll have croaked it by the all outs.”
Labour won the seat in 2024 with a 13,413 majority in 2024, and with Reform, the Tories and Greens all vying for second place.Reform have already said that they intend to target the seat at any subsequent by election
