Tory MPs’ anger over Lee Anderson suspension revealed in leaked messages

Tory MPs have complained suspending Lee Anderson may have been a mistake after the Conservative Party former deputy chairman failed to apologise for claiming “Islamists” had “got control” of Sadiq Khan.

WhatsApp messages obtained by the Sky News and Politico podcast, Politics at Jack and Sam’s, reveal Conservative MPs have bemoaned Mr Anderson’s suspension as “the final nail in the coffin” that will harm support at the next election.

Mr Anderson’s remarks have reignited an Islamophobia row within the party. Business minister Nus Ghani and senior Tory backbencher Sir Sajid Javid are among those calling out the remarks, while Sir Robert Buckland denounced them as “repugnant” and “racist” on Sunday.

The Prime Minister has not commented publicly on the fallout since the suspension, with the Labour London Mayor saying his “silence” amounts to “tacit endorsement” of Islamophobia.

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