Labour Party officials find themselves grappling with a delicate situation concerning former health minister Andrew Gwynne, who has become a polarising figure following the exposure of his racist and sexist comments. The party’s leadership is reportedly urging Gwynne to remain in his position as an Independent MP, fearing that his resignation could trigger another shocking by-election victory for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. This unease stems from the recent by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform overturned a significant Labour majority, setting a concerning precedent for Labour’s stability.

The internal struggle within Labour reflects a broader anxiety about the party’s position in the wake of Farage’s ascendance. As Sir Keir Starmer recently asserted, Reform is now seen as Labour’s primary adversary, especially given the historically close race expected in the next general election. Insiders suggest that party officials are “scared stiff” of losing Gwynne’s Greater Manchester seat, which could provide Reform with a platform to challenge high-profile Labour figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

The stakes are particularly high for Labour, as Gwynne’s constituency of Gorton and Denton boasts a substantial majority of 13,413 votes, though internal sources indicate the party perceives it as vulnerable. Gwynne’s past as an established health minister adds an extra layer of complexity, as his dismissal followed revelations about his inappropriate remarks in leaked messages shared within a local WhatsApp group. Commenting on a non-supportive voter wishing for a premature death, Gwynne’s comments have not only marred his reputation but have also jeopardised Labour’s standing, leading to an investigation by the Commons’ standards watchdog.

Local sentiments are equally divided; a 72-year-old woman from Stockport, whom Gwynne insulted, expressed her disappointment that he has yet to resign, despite the ramifications of his remarks. She stated, “If he wants to resign, Labour should allow it. I know Reform has won a seat, and they don’t want to lose another,” encapsulating the frustration felt by constituents who viewed his comments as unacceptable.

Amidst these tensions, not all within the Labour ranks back the call for Gwynne to stay. Some party members assert that the leadership’s actions upon discovering Gwynne’s offensive messages demonstrate a firm stance against such behaviour, highlighting the tension between maintaining party integrity and fear of electoral defeat. The political landscape continues to shift, with Labour’s strategy now hinging on balancing accountability with the pressure of potential losses to a resurgent Reform UK.

As the investigation into Gwynne progresses and electoral dynamics evolve, the party remains at a crossroads, torn between preserving its principles and navigating the treacherous waters of public opinion and party loyalty. With by-election outcomes potentially reshaping the political landscape, the pressure on Labour to recalibrate its approach remains palpable as they seek to fortify their position ahead of the inevitable electoral battles to come.

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Source: Noah Wire Services