Andrew Gwynne is reportedly preparing to resign as the MP for Gorton and Denton, almost a year after the so-called ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ WhatsApp scandal engulfed his political career.
The move would bring to an end months of speculation surrounding the suspended Labour MP and has fuelled renewed discussion about the future ambitions of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is widely seen as a potential candidate to return to the House of Commons.
Reports suggest Mr Gwynne could step down after discussions with parliamentary officials about taking medical retirement in February. Such a decision would trigger a by-election on 7 May, coinciding with local elections across England.
Mr Gwynne has not commented on the latest reports. However, as recently as September 2025, he publicly dismissed claims he was planning to quit Parliament, insisting he intended to serve a full term.
“In order to end the tedious speculation about my seat while I’m trying to recover from a period of ill health, it is my intention to serve a full term,” Mr Gwynne said at the time. “The route to No. 10 is not going to be through Gorton and Denton.”
The Greater Manchester MP was suspended by Labour following revelations from a leaked WhatsApp group dubbed ‘Trigger Me Timbers’. Messages allegedly showed Mr Gwynne making anti-Semitic remarks and joking about a pensioner potentially dying before an election after she complained about bin collections.
The fallout from the scandal was significant. Mr Gwynne, alongside former Tameside councillor and now Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, was suspended from the party, along with 11 councillors. Several local representatives were later expelled, while others resigned or stood down following internal disciplinary action.
Speculation that Mr Gwynne’s parliamentary career could soon end intensified after reports he had agreed a deal with the House of Commons that would allow him to retire on medical grounds and draw his pension.
If a by-election is triggered, attention is expected to turn immediately to Andy Burnham. However, the mayor would face several hurdles. Legally, he cannot stand as an MP while holding his current role, which includes responsibilities as police and crime commissioner, meaning he would need to resign first. Any bid would also require approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee, which could impose an all-female shortlist, effectively blocking his candidacy.
Mr Burnham has repeatedly refused to rule out a future leadership challenge to Labour leader Keir Starmer, something that would require him to be an MP. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday morning, he said he believed he could make a bigger difference for the north of England in Manchester rather than Westminster.
Asked about the possibility of Mr Gwynne stepping aside to clear the way for a by-election, Health Secretary Wes Streeting offered a cautious response.
“Andrew Gwynne was a member of my team in opposition and in government. I’m aware he’s had some very serious health challenges,” he said. “For all of the other challenges he’s gone through and some of the difficulties he’s had, I wish him and his family well, and I hope he’s okay. His health has been a real challenge.”
He added: “If indeed there is going to be a by-election, we need to make sure we’ve got a strong candidate, that we fight really hard to win that by-election, and we need our best candidates to come forward.”
Referring to Mr Burnham, Streeting said: “Whether it’s in government nationally, or whether it’s leading the city and the region locally, he makes a massive impact and makes a really big difference. He’s someone I’m proud to work with.”
Mr Gwynne’s office has been contacted for comment.