Tensions Rise Within Conservative Party Over Controversial Media Appearances by Senior Figures

Tensions are escalating within the Conservative Party following controversial media appearances by senior figures Liz Truss and Lee Anderson, sparking internal and external criticism. Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth has penned a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing concern over what he labels as ‘egregious’ remarks that must be addressed.

The backlash was triggered by Anderson’s appearance on GB News, where he insinuated that Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, had relinquished the capital to ‘Islamists’, a baseless claim invoking far-right tropes. Former Tory deputy chair Nus Ghani labeled Anderson’s comments as ‘foolish and dangerous’, prompting calls for disciplinary actions from the Muslim Council of Britain and former Chancellor Sajid Javid.

Meanwhile, Liz Truss faced criticism for her speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (Cpac) in the US, where she alleged that her tax reduction initiatives were ‘sabotaged’ by the ‘administrative state and the deep state’. Her subsequent interview with Steve Bannon, during which she remained silent as Bannon lauded far-right figure Tommy Robinson as a ‘hero’, drew further condemnation.

Responding to the escalating tension, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps distanced himself from Anderson’s remarks and highlighted concerns over recent protests, including ones projecting symbols onto the Houses of Parliament. However, Shapps declined to specify whether Anderson would face repercussions, stating it was a matter for the party to address.

Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth called for decisive action from Sunak, emphasizing the need to confront extremist views within the party. The letter urged leadership to hold Liz Truss and Lee Anderson accountable for their divisive rhetoric, which he described as detrimental to democracy and social harmony.