Lee Anderson applauds Tory supporters at fundraising dinner

Mr Anderson, pictured with Ms Truss in February, said he was overwhelmed by the reception he received. Photo: TOBY MELVILLE/REUTERS

A Conservative MP said Lee Anderson is «always welcome» in his constituency after he appeared with Liz Truss at a Tory fundraising dinner despite the whip being removed.< /p>

Brendan Clarke-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw, said the ovation Mr Anderson received at the event showed the «high regard he holds among the party faithful».

Mr Anderson told The Telegraph that he was «stunned by the Bassetlaw members who applauded me as I walked into the hall», adding: «After a difficult week it was the perfect tonic.»

But the Labor Party said his appearance at the dinner is «unbelievable» and should be banned from Tory's fundraiser.

Khan controversy

Mr Anderson was suspended from the Conservative Party last month after he refused to apologize for claiming Islamists had «taken control» of Sadiq Khan.

London's Labor mayor called the comments «anti-Muslim» and Islamophobic.»

Ms Truss spoke at a dinner in Bassetlaw on Friday night to raise money for Mr Clarke-Smith's Nottinghamshire constituency campaign.

Mr. Anderson made a surprise appearance in the Daily. The Express said he received a standing ovation from party members and he hugged Ms Truss.

Conservative divisions

His appearance illustrates Conservative divisions over how the former deputy chairman of the party should be treated.

< p>Although a number of Tory MPs condemned his remarks, Mr Anderson received support from other MPs, with some calling for the whip to be reinstated.

It also comes amid speculation that he may decide to defect to reformist Britain. , where Mr Anderson meets reform leader Richard Tice after his ouster.

Mr Clarke-Smith fundraising for his re-election campaign Photo: PHIL ROBINSON/ALAMY

Mr Clarke-Smith told The Telegraph: “The arrival of Liz Truss at our association was a huge coup for us and it gave us all the opportunity to reflect on how we set the Conservative agenda and overcome the obstacles that stand between us. in making this happen.

“Lee is always a welcome visitor to Bassetlaw and it was great to have him come and support our general election fundraising efforts. The response he has received shows how highly regarded he is among the party faithful.» Jonathan Ashworth, Labour's shadow treasurer-general, said: «I can't believe he hasn't been suspended from the Tories like Rishi Sunak. told us, here he is: Lee Anderson, marching down the street with rubber chickens in North Notts with none other than Liz Truss.

“Given Rishi Sunak considers Mr Anderson unfit In order to be a Conservative MP, he must now be banned from fundraising for the Tory party.

“Unless he takes action, Rishi Sunak will once again find himself weaker than ever and out of control in his chaotic, divided party.”

With the Conservative Party contacted for comment. .