Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis has told Tory members suspended for anti-Muslim bigotry they can have their membership restored after six months, despite previously blasting Labour for reinstating people who made anti-Semitic comments.



Emails seen by BuzzFeed News reveal the previously opaque Tory disciplinary process, and drive a coach and horses through the party’s claims to have a “zero tolerance” policy on Islamophobia.

Suspended Tory members found to have made anti-Muslim remarks are being told they will be reinstated if they stay quiet about their suspension, delete their social media posts, apologise and take a diversity test.

Lewis previously said it was “shocking” that the Labour Party had allowed members suspended for anti-Semitism to be let back in.

Commenting on a news story about Labour last year, Lewis tweeted: “We should all ensure there is nothing quiet about this, shocking news: Labour quietly reinstated six councillors who posted anti-Semitic messages.”