Locals have their say on Denton MP’s resignation

“It’s about time.” That is the reaction to Denton’s MP stepped down as the representative of the town he’s served for 21 years.

Andrew Gwynne made the decision to resign as the Gorton and Denton MP yesterday (January 22).

His decision comes almost a year after the ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ WhatsApp scandal came to light. The leaked WhatsApp conversations from the group saw Mr Gwynne sacked as a health minister and suspended from the Labour Party.

The scandal sparked uproar in the local community, with protestors marching past Mr Gwynne’s constituency office in Denton Town Hall holding up placards saying ‘Andrew Gwynne, in the bin’.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service headed down to the Tameside town to ask local people for their reaction to their MP calling it a day.

Tony Moran, locking up the Denton Park Bowling Club, said: “I think he’s gone well past his sell by date. People have lost confidence and trust. 

Bev and Tony Moran outside the bowling club in Denton. Credit: LDRS

“He should’ve gone much earlier. I was at the protest but I was branded a troublemaker. 

“I am a Labour Party member. Having been a loyal supporter and to feel I was let down. 

“The stuff he put in there about elderly people was awful, it was totally inappropriate language and showed contempt for the electorate. As soon as that came out he should’ve gone, we’ve basically not had an MP since.”

Tony’s wife Bev simply said, ‘I’ve got no time for him’. The Morans went on to wish Mr Gwynne well with his ill health.

Strolling just past Mr Gwynne’s office off Market Street, Peter Brooks, said: “The only time I’ve seen him was on Remembrance Day. You never saw much of him really. 

Peter Brooks, 67, from Denton. Credit: LDRS

“I think the moment he was not in Labour he should’ve stepped down straight away. It’s past time he went. I don’t think many people thought much of him.”

Another local said: “I believe he’s stepping down because he could be kicked out. He’s been stressed and under pressure from the community because of the ‘Trigger Me Timbers stuff. I know there were protests about him as well.

“I do think it’s good if he goes, because you can’t do what he did and get away with it. I’m not one of his voters, but I think it’s for the best for the community.”

The speed at which politics moves was exemplified by locals’ speculation on who they would want to replace Mr Gwynne. Rumours of the MP’s departure have been rife for months, with one big name constantly spoken of as a replacement – Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham stood down as the MP for Leigh in 2017 to become the Greater Manchester mayor – the role he’s remained in ever since. Mr Burnham has never ruled out that he would throw his hat in the ring for another leadership bid. 

On the ground though, the idea of Mr Burnham coming in as Gorton and Denton MP got a mixed reception.

Tony Moran continued: “I would love Burnham to be the MP. But he’s done such a good job as Greater Manchester mayor he would be a loss.”

Anita Sobanski, speaking on Andrew Gwynne’s departure, said: “Not before time. I think it is the honourable to do. 

Anita Sobanski, 78, walking along the high street in Denton. Credit: LDRS

“I’ve heard of Burnham talk, but I think Labour will struggle to get in because of Mr Gwynne. The ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ scandal and the wall around his house built with Tameside council money. 

“I don’t know who I’d go for after always voting for Labour. I think there is a lot of resentment towards them locally.”

A number of people told the LDRS how they wanted to see a new MP come in and ‘put Denton first’. After a year of scandal and politics being in the news for all the wrong reasons, the idea of an ambitious MP coming in and making a bid for the top job didn’t sit well with many.

Steve Connor, stopping on his way to the shops, said: “I think Andrew Gwynne should go after what he said. It was disgusting of a man of his position. 

Steve Connor, 57, on his way to the shops in Denton. Credit: LDRS

“But I don’t think I’d want Burnham. I think someone local who really cares about the area would be better as Andy Burnham will have higher ambitions.

“After all the controversy I’d want someone more hands on.”

It is expected that a by-election to replace Andrew Gwynne will be triggered in the coming weeks. This brings an end to decades of public service for a man who has been a Labour stalwart until his suspension made him an independent last year.

Mr Gwynne was an MP for 21 years, first representing Denton and Reddish from 2005, then winning the newly-created Denton and Gorton constituency in 2024. A Labour stalwart until the Trigger Me Timbers scandal, Mr Gwynne rose to the rank of junior health minister in Keir Starmer’s government, having served as Jeremy Corbyn’s national campaign co-ordinator.

In a statement confirming his intention to resign, Mr Gwynne said: “It has been the honour of my life to have been an elected representative for almost exactly three decades, representing my home community firstly as a Denton West Councillor on Tameside Council and then in the House of Commons as MP for Denton & Reddish and more recently for Gorton & Denton.

“Over those years I haven’t got everything right and I’ve certainly made mistakes, but I’ve always tried my very best and I have helped tens of thousands of constituents with their issues along the way. Indeed it’s been helping people that’s given me the greatest pleasure in these jobs.

“I’ve fought and won nine elections (three local, six general) and I thank those of you who supported me in each of those elections. But I have also suffered significant ill-health over most of the 21 years I’ve served as MP, and this has been greatly exacerbated by the impact of last year’s events regarding leaked text messages.

“To those I upset, offended or angered, I sincerely and humbly apologise – they are not who I am – and to those who stuck with me and supported me though some of the most difficult mental health challenges of my life, I will be forever grateful to you. You probably saved my life at its lowest point.

“I have therefore applied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to seek the office of Crown Steward of the Manor of Northstead, an archaic procedure to be able to vacate my seat as an MP.  There will be a by-election soon and I wish my successor, whoever it is, all the very best in representing what I consider to be the best constituency in the UK.”

Andrew Gwynne's constituency office in Denton Town Hall. Credit: LDRS