Boris Johnson delays inquiry into Tories 'sacked for Muslim faith' until new PM appointed

Former Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani alleged in January that a whip told her that "Islam was a problem" and that her "status of Muslim minister made colleagues uncomfortable"

Former Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani (

Image: via Reuters)

Boris Johnson has admitted an investigation into a Tory MP's claim that she lost her job because of her Muslim faith has been dismissed.

Former transport minister Nusrat Ghani claimed in January that a whip told her that "the Muslim religion was a problem" and that "her status as a female Muslim minister made her colleagues uncomfortable ".

Mark Spencer, then chief whip, later appointed himself a minister whom she spoke to, but he said the claims were "completely untrue" and "defamatory".

The prime minister ordered his ethics chief, Lord Geidt, to investigate the row, but he resigned last month after a series of government scandals.

Mr. Johnson failed to name a successor to Lord Geidt, who was the second independent adviser to step down during the Prime Minister's term.

He has now declared the investigation to be the business of his successor - Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss - in a letter to the powerful Commons Liaison Committee.

Nusrat Ghani (left), with Boris Johnson

Mr. Johnson told the Chairman of the Liaison Committee, Sir Bernard Jenkin: "This inquiry had not been completed by Lord Geidt before his resignation.

"The investigation therefore remains pending and should fall under the function of Independent Counsel, upon his appointment by my successor."

The inquiry was still open when Lord Geidt resigned, but was believed to be nearing completion.

Mr. Sunak has pledged to hire a new independent adviser and told LBC he would likely bring Lord Geidt back if he was willing to return.

Ms. Truss has yet to define her position.

Mr Spencer, w...