‘They see him as a threat’ Tory MP explains why party front bench UP IN ARMS against Boris
THE CONSERVATIVE MP Andrew Bridgen said that frontbenchers were attacking Boris Johnson because they see “a threat” during a BBC debate on the former Foreign Secretary’s comments on burkas.
Andrew Bridgen: Boris Johnson is seen as a threat
The Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen said politicians from the Conservatives and other parties saw Boris Johnson's comments as “a opportunity to attack him”.
Mr Bridgen told BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire: “A lot of the attacks on him are because people see him, both inside the party and outside as a threat.
“I think it is an opportunity for people to attack him.”
He added: “Boris is a very high profile, very charismatic politician so anything he says it gets picked up in the media.
A lot of the attacks on him are because people see him, both inside the party and outside as a threat
“It is a particularly slow news week this week and so this has got a lot of attention.”
The Prime Minister Theresa May has added her voice to calls for Boris Johnson to apologise for his comments about burkas.
Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis ordered Mr Johnson to apologise following a hail of criticism over the remarks, which were labelled "bigotry" by former Tory chair Baroness Warsi.
The call followed a hail of criticism for Mr Johnson's remarks, which were described as "offensive" by Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt and "bigotry" by former Tory chair Baroness Warsi.
Mrs May has said she agrees with Mr Lewis, upping the pressure on Mr Johnson, who has so far refused to apologise and dismissed his critics as "ridiculous".
She said: "I do think that we all have to be very careful about the language and terms we use.
"And some of the terms Boris used describing people's appearance obviously have offended. So I agree with Brandon Lewis.
"What's important is do we believe people should have the right to practice their religion and, in the case of women and the burka and niqab, to choose how they dress.
Farage: Boris MORE likely to become PM after Burka comments
"I believe women should be able to choose how they dress."
An apology would not be enough, said Labour's Naz Shah, the shadow equalities minister, who accused the Prime Minister of being in denial about Islamophobia.
The Bradford West MP tweeted: "Boris Johnson's comments were not just offensive, they were Islamophobic but the Prime Minister is in denial.
"An apology is not enough, she needs to order an independent inquiry into Islamophobia in her party, as requested by the Muslim community, and take action against him."