Reform UK has reached its highest-ever polling level, just six points behind the Tories, following a controversy involving MP Lee Anderson, who was suspended by the Conservative Party after suggesting London Mayor Sadiq Khan was under the control of Islamists and refusing to apologize. Despite his suspension, Anderson received a standing ovation at a Conservative Party fundraiser, attended by former Prime Minister Liz Truss and other party members. This incident has sparked criticism from various quarters, including Labour MPs who find it unbelievable that Anderson was welcomed at the event despite his suspension. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while vowing to face down extremists, has decided not to suspend Truss or any other MPs for their support of Anderson at the fundraiser. Sunak's speech was also classed as 'Islamophobic' by Labour MPs. The situation has raised questions about the Conservative Party's stance on Anderson's remarks and their implications for party unity and public perception.
Government minister & no 10 have now said Anderson is suspended for [not apologising for/retracting] remarks of anti-Muslim prejudice. He should surely be excluded from Conservative party fundraising social events, while suspended + refusing to apologise to the Mayor of London. https://t.co/PfN3PNpn2v
Rishi Sunak 'won't suspend' Liz Truss for welcoming suspended Lee Anderson to Tory fundraiser https://t.co/Xu3QQVzoe3 https://t.co/sZzsoCI8D3
STORY Last night Rishi Sunak vowed "leadership" to "face down extremists." An hour later Brendan Clarke-Smith and Liz Truss welcomed Lee Anderson to an event raising money for Tory campaign coffers. Today, the party says neither MP will be suspended. https://t.co/vgaIzF0Miw
Labour says it “beggars belief” that Lee Anderson reportedly attended a Conservative fundraiser with former PM Liz Truss, despite being suspended as a Tory MP https://t.co/c39NW4doLG
Lee Anderson is 'greeted with standing ovation' at Tory fundraiser even though he is suspended from the party after saying 'Islamists' controlled London mayor Sadiq Khan https://t.co/YHaCVTlmZc https://t.co/lnQfbnZsdA
In the last 24 hours, Lee Anderson was greeted with standing ovation at Tory Party fundraiser. Meanwhile, @RishiSunak speech was classed as “Islamophobic” by Lab MPs. Rishi should restore the whip to Lee since he is now the target of the same tedious tactic used against Lee.
Reform UK hits its highest-ever polling number - just six points behind Tories who suspended MP Lee Anderson for saying 'Islamists' had 'got control' of London mayor Sadiq Khan https://t.co/ADoSeuoveK https://t.co/t48yZQy1JO
Former Prime Minister Truss lauding and celebrating Lee Anderson, who has said he will not apologise for saying Mayor Sadiq Khan is under the control of Islamists while he has breath in his body https://t.co/WF4vYy3cbb
🗳️ Reform UK hits highest-ever polling level after Lee Anderson row https://t.co/1pLAQzqpPo