I don't believe it.

A number of senior Tory figures are Asian and Rishy is favourite to lead the party.

Why on earth when sacking a junior minister would you say what is alleged in today's environment.

There is no need even if it was true, you wouldn't say it but would use the standard line when sacking any minister which presumably would be something like

"The PM thanks you for your service but has decided to shake things up blah blah..."

I would be amazed if this was true.

One more point

It's called the 'Rafiq effect'.

There's no known cure.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Because she isn't white and in the present climate non whites have the 'whip' hand. Pun not meant BTW

I've already mentioned the 'Rafiq effect'.

This use to be called the 'race card' and fear of 'racism' charges gains advantage via selection potential and if that eventually fails....as was probably the case here as she waited a year to see if she could 'get back in'....then it can be used as a reputation weapon to damage those she doesn't like.

Edited by Stirlingsays (23 Jan 2022 11.34am)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

It seems an almost unbelievable allegation. That a Senior Tory would make a comment , along the lines of "You're Muslim, you don't fit in here. goodbye"

So you would have to wonder at why the allegation is made,...through the media,.not through employment procedure.
Personally, I can't even begin to wonder why. It is just bizarre and potentially career harming to all those who might be named. (if it ever gets that far)

(And I read Stirling's explanation, and it seems the most plausible, but i am still unsure)

Edited by Forest Hillbilly (23 Jan 2022 11.41am)

I disengage, I turn the page.

An obvious answer might be because she is embarrassed.

A senior minister might be sacked by the PM because they are seen as a threat in other words they are too good at their job and must go.

This lady was a junior minister and so far down the list that Boris delegated the sacking. Junior ministers aren't really a threat to the PM so when they are sacked it is for the usual reasons e.g. not up to the job.

Perhaps this lady is looking for excuses rather than admitting that.

Now all of the above is speculation but you asked for a reason, she wouldn't be the first or last person who when sacked tried to shift the blame elsewhere.

Edited by Badger11 (23 Jan 2022 1.06pm)

One more point