UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Andrew Gwynne, a junior health minister, following controversial remarks that have sparked backlash. Gwynne has also been suspended from the Labour Party amid allegations of anti-Semitic comments.
The decision was made swiftly after Starmer 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.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the messages contained anti-Semitic remarks and a joke about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gwynne expressed regret over his words.
“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 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 dismissal comes shortly after Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary in November following revelations of a past criminal conviction. Haigh’s departure marked the first cabinet exit since Labour’s landslide victory in July 2024, which ended the Conservative Party’s 14-year rule.
