Boris Johnson appoints Indian-origin academic to look into anti-Muslim bias among Tories

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed an Indian-origin academic for an independent review into allegations of anti-Muslim prejudice and discrimination within the Tory party ranks.

The issue had played out heavily in the run-up to the UK general election, with Johnson having to apologise for any hurt caused following accusations of anti-Muslim bias among the party ranks. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BorisJohnson
The issue had played out heavily in the run-up to the UK general election, with Johnson having to apologise for any hurt caused following accusations of anti-Muslim bias among the party ranks. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BorisJohnson

Swaran Singh, Professor of Social and Community Psychiatry at the University of Warwick, will lead the inquiry aimed at improving the Conservative Party's handling of complaints of all forms of discrimination and prejudice, including Islamophobia. 

The issue had played out heavily in the run-up to the UK general election, with Johnson having to apologise for any hurt caused following accusations of anti-Muslim bias among the party ranks. 

“This independent review will look at how the party can improve its processes – to make sure that any instances are isolated, and that there are robust processes in place to stamp them out as and when they occur,” a party statement said on Tuesday.

"The Conservative Party will never stand by when it comes to prejudice and discrimination of any kind and it is right to hold an independent review, so we can stamp out unacceptable abuse that is not fit for public life," Chairman of the Conservative Party James Cleverly said.