Lee Anderson faces scrutiny and potential legal action after making contentious comments about London’s Mayor, leading to his suspension from the Conservative Party

The Metropolitan Police are currently evaluating a report of hate speech following remarks made by MP Lee Anderson, in which he accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan of being influenced by Islamists. The comments, which sparked a widespread debate on Islamophobia, led to Anderson being stripped of his Conservative Party whip. The incident occurred after the Ashfield MP suggested that Islamists had “got control” of Khan, alleging that the first Muslim Mayor of London had “given away our capital” to extremists.

The situation has prompted a police assessment, which could lead to a full investigation or dismissal depending on the evidence available. Anderson’s remarks have drawn criticism from various political quarters, with many calling for accountability.

Despite the backlash, Anderson, now an independent MP, has refused to apologize for his statements. He has hinted at the possibility of running for Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party, in the next election. His continued defiance has been supported by his role as a presenter on GB News, where he earns a substantial salary in addition to his MP’s pay.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has labelled Anderson’s comments as “wrong,” but has not explicitly called them Islamophobic. This has led to further criticism, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan urging Sunak to recognize the remarks as both racist and Islamophobic. The reluctance of senior Conservatives to label the comments as Islamophobic has been perceived as a sign of weakness by some critics.

Anderson’s steadfast refusal to apologize has stirred further controversy, with the MP asserting that his comments were not racist and that he will not apologize “while I’ve got a breath in my body.” The incident has ignited a debate on the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing sensitive issues.