Among the other messages reported by the newspaper from the WhatsApp group is one from Gwynne saying someone “sounds too Jewish” and “too militaristic”, apparently from their name alone.
The newspaper also reported racist comments about the veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott, mocking her historic achievement in becoming the first black MP at the despatch box for Prime Minister’s Questions, and misogynist comments about Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, performing a sex act.
In 2018, Gwynne made headlines when it was revealed he was in a Facebook group called Labour Supporters, in which antisemitic messages were shared. At the time, he said he had been added to the group without his knowledge or permission.
A government spokesman said Starmer was 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, as he has in this case,” a statement said.
On Saturday evening, Gwynne wrote on X: “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused.
“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.”
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