Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been warned of three potential Reform UK by-election victories, following the growing WhatsApp scandal with the Labour Party.
Speaking to GB News, Political commentator Theo Usherwood branded the situation "very alarming", highlighting concerns that antisemitism remains "rife within parts of the Labour Party".
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has admitted to making "unacceptable" messages in the controversial WhatsApp group and failing to challenge inappropriate content.
Ryan, who was a member of the "Trigger Me Timbers" group created by former health minister Andrew Gwynne, expressed deep regret over his involvement.
Nigel Farage is set to compete with Reform UK in three more by-elections following Labour's WhatsApp scandal
PA
"Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them," Ryan said.
Discussing the latest Labour scandal on GB News, Usherwood warned that the scandal could trigger multiple by-elections in the coming months.
"If Oliver Ryan, the MP for Burnley, and we're expecting screenshots from this WhatsApp group to be released later this week... if he goes as well, you're looking potentially at three by-elections where Nigel Farage's Reform UK could either win or do very well in.
"So I think this is problematic for the Prime Minister, not just in the week ahead, but I think in the course of this year if and when those by-elections happen."
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Oliver Ryan became the second Labour MP involved in vile WhatsApp group admits to making 'unacceptable' messages
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Criticising the nature of the comments, which featured alleged sexism and antisemitism, Usherwood said it appears antisemitism is "still rife" within Government.
Usherwood said: "Keir Starmer was very clear that when he took over from Jeremy Corbyn, he was going to root out antisemitism within the Labour Party. Going by this WhatsApp group, the antisemitism is still rife within parts of the Labour Party, and I think also misogyny as well.
"And then there are the comments, of course, made about constituents. As this WhatsApp group seems to show, the messages that are coming out, to hate your constituents, to wish them to be dead, I think is deeply damaging. And Keir Starmer is going to be under pressure."
A Government spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer "will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards".
Usherwood told GB News that Reform could 'win or do very well' in three areas
GB News
A Government source described Oliver Ryan's remarks as "unacceptable and deeply disappointing".
The Labour Party has launched an investigation into the matter, with the chief whip set to speak with Ryan.
The party has emphasised that "no action is off the table" regarding potential disciplinary measures.
Ryan has pledged his full cooperation with the investigation while acknowledging responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging the group's content.
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