Labour MP 'deeply regrets' comments made on WhatsApp group - after health minister sacked for remarks on same chat

A Labour MP has said he "deeply regrets" comments made on a WhatsApp group - a day after health minister Andrew Gwynne was sacked for leaked racist and sexist remarks posted on the same chat.

In a statement on X, Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said: "Between 2019 and early 2022, I was a member of a WhatsApp group created by my MP and former employer, Andrew Gwynne.

"Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them.

"I regret not speaking out at the time, and I recognise that failing to do so was wrong. I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said.

"I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that I wholeheartedly apologise.

"I will cooperate fully with the Labour Party's investigation."

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