Editorial 10.02.25
Labour WhatsApp Scandal Sparks Political Fallout as Health Minister Andrew Gwynne Sacked Over Messages
Monday’s headlines are dominated by the controversy surrounding former Health Minister Andrew Gwynne, who has been dismissed over offensive messages sent in a WhatsApp group. A second Labour MP was also revealed to be sending “misogynistic and homophobic” messages to the same group.
Other domestic political stories also feature on the front pages with the rise of Nigel Farage’s party Reform UK, which reached 200,000 members over the weekend, leading several papers. The newspapers look at how both the Conservative Party and Labour Party are attempting to combat the rise of Reform.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pictured on a handful of front pages – playing in his local Sunday league team.
The back pages – as well as some of the front – report on Liverpool’s shock loss in the FA Cup last night, as Plymouth Argyle won 1-0.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne Sacked Over Messages, Pension Reform & Job Cuts
‘Others in the group could face disciplinary action,’ highlights the Metro.
The Metro leads with the sacking of health minister Andrew Gwynne after it was revealed he sent a number of offensive messages in a Whatsapp group. The paper reports that other members of the group could also face disciplinary action, with an investigation already underway.
Tory MP Alex Burghart “demanded to know” if Gwynne’s remarks were “challenged by party colleagues”, the paper adds.
‘Oliver Ryan exposed for misogynistic and homophobic remarks in the group,’ notes the Mail.
The Daily Mail reveals that another Labour MP, Oliver Ryan, was also part of the chat and has issued an apology for misogynistic and homophobic remarks. According to the paper, police are now assessing multiple complaints related to the messages.
‘Messages show Labour has a nasty side,’ says the Mail’s editorial.
The paper’s editorial says the “vile messages” have shown “Labour’s nasty side.” The paper says the PM was right to dismiss Andrew Gwynne as a health minister and urges the PM to suspend the second MP involved, Oliver Ryan.
‘Left-wing accused of leaking posts from the group amid clashes over pension reform,’ says the Telegraph.
Similarly, The Telegraph reports that Gwynne’s dismissal came after clashes with Labour’s left wing over pension reform, exposing deeper divisions within the party.
The paper also notes that Gwynne has been reported to police for alleged hate crimes. It says left-wing members of the Tameside Council in Greater Manchester are accused of leaking posts from the WhatsApp group, which led to the sacking of Gwynne.
‘Firms cutting jobs ahead of Labour tax changes,’ says The Times.
Meanwhile, The Times lead story highlights concerns over job cuts ahead of Labour’s planned tax changes. The paper uses the latest figures from two surveys which show firms have “cut jobs ahead of Labour tax change,” the paper adds.
Labour’s Migration Plan to Counter Reform UK’s Rise
‘Labour migration plans aim to counter the rise of Reform UK,’ say the i.
The i reports that Labour is set to unveil a new migration strategy in the coming weeks to counter the growing influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The government is also releasing videos of deportations as part of its efforts to curb illegal Channel crossings, a move seen as a direct response to Reform’s rising popularity ahead of the local elections.
‘Videos of illegal migrants being deported to be released to win over Reform voters,’ claims the FT.
The FT says in an attempt to “blunt” the rise of Reform UK, the Home Office, will release videos of illegal migrants being deported. The paper says the government will also outline its plans for reducing legal immigration within weeks to try to win over those who currently intend to vote for Reform in the local elections in England in May.
‘Reform well placed as Labour struggles to define itself,’ says The Times.
The Times reports that Reform is “well placed” as Labour continues to struggle to define itself in office, and the public is not willing to give the Tories another chance at the moment.
Arms Export Whistleblower Sparks Controversy
A mix of other domestic stories make up the front pages.
‘Britain turns blind eye to potential war crimes,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian features explosive claims from former Foreign Office diplomat Mark Smith, who alleges that UK arms export reports have been manipulated to ensure legal compliance. Smith argues that this allows Britain to turn a blind eye to potential war crimes committed by allied nations. The Foreign Office has denied the allegations.
Mirror calls for intervention to save British pubs.
The Daily Mirror launches a campaign urging the government to intervene and support struggling British pubs, a staple of community life that continues to face economic challenges.
‘CoE to uphold tradition of real wine,’ says The Sun.
The Sun highlights a recent decision by the Church of England to uphold traditional Holy Communion practices, rejecting calls to allow non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread.
Plymouth Argyle’s FA Cup Victory Over Liverpool
In sports, Plymouth Argyle’s stunning 1-0 FA Cup triumph over Liverpool has made waves.
The i celebrates the team’s victory, dubbing them ‘green giants’, while The Mirror playfully suggests fans might be enjoying a ‘green party’. Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that Plymouth’s manager Miron Muslic marked the win with a simple meal of nachos and Fanta as he gears up for their next match against Millwall.