Furious Tory MP accuses No10 of launching a ‘witch hunt’ against Boris over the burqa row because they see him as a ‘threat’ as the party launches formal probe into the ex minister
Former foreign secretary compared women wearing burqas to letterboxes
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen slammed the decision to launch a formal investigation
Imam Taj Hargey said Mr Johnson ‘did not go far enough’ and wants burqa ban
Remainers across the Tory party queued up to condemn him over remarks
Column came after the face covering ban in Denmark which sparked protests
By KATE FERGUSON
DAILYMAIL.COM
9 August 2018
Number Ten was today accused of orchestrating a politically motivated ‘witch hunt’ against Boris Johnson after the Tories launched a formal probe into his burqa comments.
The ex Foreign Secretary faces being punished by party bosses and could even be kicked out of the party after comparing women in the head veils to letterboxes.
Tory sources have insisted the party was left with no choice but to launch the probe because it was triggered automatically after they received a flurry of complaints.
But the move has sparked a furious backlash from Mr Johnson’s allies who have accused No10 of trying to ‘destroy’ the ex minister because they see him as a threat.
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told MailOnline: ‘I believe this is politically motivated, by the internal politics of the Tory party, by politicians who want to humiliate and destroy Boris Johnson.’
He added: ‘I believe that the public will see this for what it is – an internal Conservative party witch hunt instigated by Number Ten against Boris Johnson, who they see as a huge threat.’
Mr Bridgen said he was shocked an investigation had been triggered as other Tory MPs have criticised the head veils before but not faced probes over it.
He said: ‘I’m surprised that an investigation is going to be instigated into Boris’ article and his refusal to apologise, especially given Ken Clarke in 2013 described burqas as peculiar.
‘I don’t remember any outcry or calls for an investigation into Ken Clarke’s alleged Islamophobia.
Under Tory Party rules, an investigating officer will now decide if Mr Johnson has flouted their code of conduct and if the probe should be referred on to a panel to grill him on.
If they find him at fault then Mrs May can decide what punishment to give her former minister – and could even kick him out of the Tory Party.
The Rest…HERE
