Tory accused of telling MP her religion made colleagues 'uncomfortable' gets off
A Tory minister will not face any action after the Government's ethics advisor said he was unable to conclude whether he told a colleague she was sacked because of her faith.
Nusrat Ghani claimed she was told by former party whip Mark Spencer that her Muslim faith was "making colleagues uncomfortable" when she was sacked in 2020.
The remark was allegedly made in March that year following Ms Ghani's departure in a reshuffle by then-PM Boris Johnson.
In a long-awaited report published today, Sir Laurie Magnus said the MPs - who both serve in Rishi Sunak's government - gave "differing accounts" of what was said.
Sir Laurie said Ms Ghani had been "consistent" in her conviction that her faith had been raised in "negative and discriminatory terms", while Mr Spencer was "adamant" that he made no such remarks.
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The adviser said he did not find a "clear failure" to uphold the ministerial code, branding the evidence "inconclusive".
Nusrat Ghani said her religion was raised in 'negative and discriminatory terms'The ethics advisor wrote: "Despite a review of considerable evidence, it has not been possible to draw a clear picture of what was discussed between Mr Spencer and Ms Ghani during two meetings which both agree took place on 4th and 23rd March 2020.
"These discussions are central to the allegations made. Ms Ghani and Mr Spencer have differing accounts of these meetings, with different recollections of what was said.
"Each has provided evidence (including some contemporaneous notes) to support their respective accounts, but given the differing evidence presented to me, I am not able to conclude with sufficient confidence what was or was not said at these two meetings."
The investigation was launched after Ms Ghani told the Sunday Times she considered quitting politics after the whip said her "Muslimness was raised as an issue" at a Downing Street meeting.
In a response to Sir Laurie's report, Mr Sunak wrote: "I am glad that you have examined this dispute so thoroughly.
"I take seriously the need to treat others with respect and to avoid any suggestion of prejudice.
"As you say, this has been an unsatisfactory experience for both Ministers involved. But in the absence of clear evidence, it would not be right to take further action."
Rishi Sunak said no further action would be taken against Mr Spencer (AP)Sir Laurie did, however, state there were "shortcomings" in Mr Spencer's response to the complaint.
In a written statement to Mr Johnson after the allegations emerged, he omitted to mention a meeting that had taken place on March 4.
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After speaking to both MPs, Sir Laurie said, Mr Johnson told Ms Ghani that she should either raise a complaint via the Conservative Party’s complaints procedures or contribute to an investigation into alleged discrimination carried out by Professor Swaran Singh.
He wrote that Ms Ghani responded by saying she did not consider either process to be appropriate, and the matter was unresolved until last year, when the allegations appeared in the Sunday Times.
In a statement after the report was published, Ms Ghani said: “Sir Laurie’s report is very clear that my evidence was credible and ‘consistent’.
“I’m relieved that the report acknowledges that the previously denied 4th March 2020 meeting did take place and was central to the matter, as well as that Twitter statements were published ‘without evidence’.
“There is no criticism or doubt expressed regarding my version of events. Others will have to explain the report noting the ‘omissions’, ‘shortcomings’, ‘incomplete information’, ‘inaccurate briefings’ and claims ‘implied without evidence’ in their actions and story.
“We all serve at the Prime Minister’s choosing and there is no shame in a political career ending. But to be told your faith and identity is the reason for it cannot be acceptable in any way.
“The impact of being told this was devastating and my motivation in pursuing the complaint was to ensure it wasn’t buried, but that it ended with me so that no other colleague would have to endure anything similar.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister and Sir Laurie for publishing the report after 3 years. As I said last year, my party is better and bigger than this whole sorry episode which has only been bearable due to the support of so many Conservative colleagues.”
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