MP's WhatsApp messages suspension to be lifted

Oliver Ryan was suspended from the party in February

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan is to have the Labour party whip returned next month, the BBC has learned.

The MP was suspended from the party in February over his membership of a WhatsApp group with other Labour MPs and councillors which contained offensive messages.

Mr Ryan issued an apology at the time in which he said the comments in the group, named Trigger Me Timbers, had been "completely unacceptable" and he regretted "not speaking out at the time".

A Labour Party spokesman said: "The Party will not hesitate to take action against members who fall short of the high standards we expect, in line with our rules and procedures".

The messages, sent to the WhatsApp group named Trigger Me Timbers, were reported to show Ryan mocking a Labour MP for his sexuality, and denigrating the vice-chairman of the local Labour Party.

He has been approached for comment.

The BBC understands the party complaints process remains ongoing in relation to Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton.

He was suspended from the party and sacked as health minister in February after sending offensive messages in the group.

'Swift action'

Labour suspended 11 councillors in Greater Manchester for their roles in the group, which was set up to co-ordinate Labour's campaigning in the local area.

Two Tameside councillors, George Newton and Jack Naylor, have now been expelled from the party, as well as former Stockport councillor Andrew Verdeille, the BBC understands.

Tameside councillors Alison Gwynne and Claire Reid were handed six-month suspensions from the party, while Tameside councillors George Jones, Vincent Ricci, and Brenda Warrington were handed a formal warning.

No further action was taken against Tameside Councillor Denise Ward.

Two Stockport councillors, David Sedgwick and Holly McCormack resigned during the investigation, as did Tameside councillor Charlotte Martin.

A Labour spokesman said that the party "took swift action as soon as we became aware of the activity in this WhatsApp Group".

"These matters have been investigated thoroughly, in line with the Labour Party's rules and procedures.

"We cannot comment further on any ongoing investigations."