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UK MP claims she was sacked for her Muslim faith

LONDON – A former minister in Britain’s Conservative government says she was told her Muslim faith was the reason for her dismissal, a claim that has deepened rifts dragging the ruling party. authority of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Former transport minister Nusrat Ghani told the Sunday Times that when she was demoted in 2020, a government whip said her “Islamism” had “annoyed colleagues”.

She said she had been told “there are concerns that I am disloyal to the party because I have not done enough to defend the party against accusations of fear of Islam.”

“It is very clear to me that the whips and the number 10 (Downing St.) hold me above all others because of my background and faith,” said Ghani.

Sheriff Mark Spencer said he was the person Ghani was talking about, but strongly denied her allegation.

“These accusations are completely untrue and I consider them defamatory,” he wrote on Twitter. “I have never used the words assigned to me.”

The Conservative Party’s whip office said Ghani’s claims were “completely untrue.”

“The Conservative Party does not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination,” it said in a statement.

The prime minister’s office said Johnson met with Ghani to discuss her concerns in 2020, and invited her to file a formal complaint, but she did not.

However, some Conservative lawmakers have voiced support for Ghani. Caroline Nokes, head of the Parliament’s Committee on Women and Equality, said Ghani’s treatment was “appalling” and she had the courage to speak out.

Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted that Ghani’s allegations must be “appropriately investigated and racism dealt with.” His tweet ended with the hashtag “standwithNus.”

When Ghani was appointed minister in 2015, her boss, then Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, said it was proof the Conservatives “were a bunch of opportunists.” But some have accused the party of failing to quell anti-Muslim prejudice under Johnson, who in 2018 compared veiled women to “mail boxes”.

Ghani’s accusations come after another Conservative lawmaker, William Wragg, alleged the party’s whips had threatened and blackmailed members of Parliament to secure their support for the government. Wragg said he will meet with police this week to discuss his claims.

Internal rifts within the Conservative Party have been fueled by allegations that Johnson and his staff held embargo parties while Britain was under coronavirus restrictions.

Some Conservative lawmakers have called for Johnson to step down. Others are awaiting a report from Sue Grey, a senior civil servant appointed to investigate allegations that government employees organize late-night drinking parties, “bringing their own drinking parties.” friends” and “Fridays drinking time” while the UK is under coronavirus restrictions in 2020 and 2021.

Gray’s findings are expected to be published next week. If Gray criticizes Johnson, more Conservative lawmakers may be encouraged to call a vote of no confidence in Johnson that could lead to his ouster.

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