Health minister Andrew Gwynne has left his position in the government after he reportedly made offensive comments in a WhatsApp group.
Mr Gwynne, who was appointed as a junior minister for health in July, held responsibility for public health and prevention, including major and long-term conditions, health improvement including diet and obesity, and pandemic preparedness.
He was suspended from the Labour party after the Mail on Sunday reported the messages this weekend.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed the appointment of new health minister Ashley Dalton, who will take on the responsibility of public health and prevention. She is the MP for West Lancashire and was elected in February 2023.
On X, Mr Gwynne wrote: ‘I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments 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.’
A Labour spokesperson said: ‘Andrew Gwynne has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party. We are investigating comments made in this WhatsApp group in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures.
‘Swift action will be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.’
It comes as the government announced that public health services are to receive a £200m funding boost for the next financial year.
Image credit: Andrew Gwynne ©House of Commons
