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Tory chiefs today launched a disciplinary investigation into Boris Johnson over his comments about burqas.

A panel is poised to probe complaints that the MP breached the Conservative Party's code of conduct by comparing burqa-wearing women to "letterboxes" and "bank robbers".

The code says office-holders must not "use their position to bully, abuse, victimise, harass or unlawfully discriminate against others”.

Those accused of breaching it can face a probe by a three-strong panel, appointed by the party chairman. If found in breach they can be suspended or expelled from the party.

Mr Johnson sparked a furious row on Monday by saying it was "ridiculous" for women to wear burqas and making the "offensive" comparison.

(Image: Moment RF)

There had been fears taking any firm action against the ex-Foreign Secretary could spark a grassroots revolt.

But Tory chiefs were forced to act after being accused of sitting on dozens of complaints about his remarks without taking action.

Tory sources today confirmed a number of complaints had been received, and they would be considered by "an independent panel".

But it was later clarified that the investigation is only at Stage 1. That means it must take written evidence from Mr Johnson and will only be only be referred to a panel if it is not deemed "trivial".

Panels are appointed by the party chairman and usually led by a QC or judge. The panel must include at least independent person, one nominee by Tory backbench 1922 Committee, and one representative of the voluntary party.

The panel can then pass its decision to the party chairman, Tory leader Theresa May or the Tory party board, who decide on any sanction including expulsion from the party.

(Image: REUTERS)

Sources would not confirm how long the probe might last, who will lead it, what part of the code Mr Johnson is accused of breaking, or whether he'll appear in person.

Sources insisted the probe was triggered automatically by a complaint.

A Conservative Party spokesman said only: "The code of conduct process is strictly confidential."

A string of top Conservatives had already spoken out against the MP after he refused Theresa May's call to apologise.

Lord Sheikh, who made a formal complaint about Mr Johnson, today suggested he should be expelled permanently from the party.

(Image: BBC)

Tory peer Lord Sheikh, founder of the Conservative Muslim Forum, had previously said Mr Johnson should have the whip suspended.

Asked if he should lose it permanently, he told the Mirror Mr Johnson should suffer "suspension or expulsion.”

Asked to clarify if he backed expelling Mr Johnson from the party permanently he said: "Well, the question is the least we can do is take the whip off him.

“Whether it’s done on a temporary basis or a permanent basis - you know, he’s got his abilities, he was a good mayor and I supported him… That is what pains me a great deal. There are a million Muslims in London and a number of Muslims voted for him. This is his repayment for what we have done."

(Image: Jack Taylor)

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said Mr Johnson's remarks were "rude and gratuitous".

Mr Johnson was also issued a thinly-veiled slapdown by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick.

Ms Dick revealed she had checked with officers to see if the Tory's comments could be a hate crime.

They weren't, but she warned "many people" were offended by the MP's jibes - and police officers making offensive comments about Muslims would be putting "their job in jeopardy".

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Mr Johnson has not commented at all or surfaced publicly since the row erupted on Monday.

A source close to Mr Johnson, who said he opposed a burqa ban, made clear he would not apologise.

The source said it was "ridiculous" that his views were under attack and "we mustn't fall into the trap of shutting down the debate on difficult issues."

The source added: "If we fail to speak up for liberal values then we're simply yielding ground to reactionaries & extremists."

But critics said it was Mr Johnson who had been a reactionary - and there was no need to express his views in the way he did.

A Labour party source said: "The Tory party is on trial. Either Boris is guilty or the Tories condone Islamophobia."