Committee publication · Report · 14 July 2026 · HC 275
2nd Report – Andrew Gwynne
From: Committee on Standards
Government response deadline: 14 September 2026
Summary
The Committee on Standards investigation into former MP Andrew Gwynne concerns abusive and discriminatory messages he posted in a private WhatsApp group called 'Trigger Me Timbers' between 2018–2019. The Parliamentary Commissioner concluded Gwynne breached Rule 11 of the Code of Conduct through the volume and nature of grossly offensive messages targeting constituents, discriminatory content, and failure to challenge similar messages by others. The Committee agrees and recommends revoking his former Member's pass; had he remained an MP, suspension would have been recommended.
Key findings
- The WhatsApp group, created to support Gwynne's reselection as a parliamentary candidate and restricted to close political allies, was not 'purely private and personal' because it flowed from his parliamentary career and discussed matters relating to his constituents and fellow MPs.
- The Commissioner concluded Rule 11 was breached through three pathways: grossly offensive messages posted personally by Gwynne targeting members of the public; discriminatory messages (racist, homophobic, ableist) posted by Gwynne; and his active participation in a group containing similar offensive messages by others without challenge.
- The Committee agreed the messages constituted abuse and insults rather than legitimate political views or opinions, finding the 'nature, volume, extent, and discriminatory nature' coupled with negative publicity damaged public trust in Parliament and its Members.
- Aggravating factors included Gwynne's seniority (elected 2005), engagement in racist, sexist and homophobic behaviour, the repeated pattern over time, and disregard for General Principles of Conduct. Mitigating factors included his health issues, remorse, and attempts to apologise.
- The Committee recommends revoking Gwynne's former Member's pass with immediate effect and criticises the Administration for issuing it before the investigation concluded; it intends to seek rule changes to prevent resigned Members under investigation from receiving passes.
Recommendations
- Revoke Mr Gwynne's former Member's pass with immediate effect.
- Had Mr Gwynne remained a Member of the House, recommend a period of suspension from the service of the House.
- Draw to the attention of Mr Speaker and the Administration Committee the provision of a former Member's pass to Mr Gwynne during the investigation period and seek a change to the rules to prevent Members who resign while under investigation from being provided with a pass before the investigation concludes.
Tone
CriticalTopics
Key actors
Andrew Gwynne, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (Daniel Greenberg), Committee on Standards, Alberto Costa (Committee Chair), Labour Party, House of Commons Administration Committee
Notable line
“Mr Gwynne's conduct was so extraordinary and shocking 45 House of Commons, The Code of Conduct and The Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members , Session 2022–23, HC 1083 …”
Key Quotes
“We were ventilating our frustrations to each other. [The messages were] never at any stage intended to be read outside of the small group.”
“… the "repeated targeting of specific individuals with grossly offensive terms" put the messages beyond this.”
“I deeply regret my badly misjudged commments (sic) and apologise for any offense I've caused.”
“"the group was specifically established in support of Mr Gwynne's reselection as a parliamentary candidate [ … ] and therefore its purpose and creation flow from his parliamentary career and activities i.e. his public life".”
“We would stress, for vital constitutional reasons, that Members of Parliament should expect to be able to express their views and beliefs, and that these are beyond what may raise legitimate complaints and investigations.”
“I am truly, genuinely and deeply sorry”
“… it gives rise to the misplaced perception that members of the public who challenge a Member of Parliament, or who hold different political views, can be legitimately abused in grossly offensive terms”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗