Just a fortnight ago Peterborough MP Paul Bristow glowingly defended him but today Lee Anderson, former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson, is out on his ear. Mr Anderson has been suspended from the party – and the whip removed – for refusing to apologise for comments which were aimed at London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The Conservative MP for Ashfield claimed on GB News that “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London
“He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates”.
Mr Khan has described the comments by Mr Anderson as “pouring fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred”.
Yesterday Mr Anderson had the Tory whip suspended after declining to apologise for the remarks.
Lee Anderson MP said:
"Following a call with the Chief Whip, I understand the difficult position that I have put both he and the Prime Minister in with regard to my comments.
"I fully accept that they had no option but to suspend the whip in these circumstances.
"However, I…
— Lee Anderson MP (@LeeAndersonMP_) February 24, 2024
Mr Bristow has always been a fervent supporter of Mr Anderson, two years ago inviting him to speak to Peterborough Conservatives.
And in August of 2022 he posted photos of a House of Commons cricket match he took part in and tweeted it was “great to play with Lee Anderson MP”.
In March of 2022 Mr Anderson visited Peterborough to address local Conservatives.
After the meeting Mr Bristow tweeted: “Top lad! My buddy Lee Anderson MP came to Peterborough tonight to speak to Peterborough Conservatives. A bit of common-sense working man Conservatism.”
Later Mr Anderson told Mr Bristow “Enjoyed it pal”.
Two weeks ago, Mr Bristow tweeted that Mr Anderson “is actually a great example of what is wrong with Labour. They despise patriotic working people – and the feeling is mutual”.
Although Mr Bristow has yet to comment publicly on the suspension of Mr Anderson, he has reposted an Instagram post from Rishi Sunak that signalled a new rapprochement between the prime minister and Boris Johnson.
