Anti-Muslim sentiment “remains a problem” within the Conservative Party, an independent report has found.

Professor Swaran Singh, a former equality and human rights commissioner, analysed 1,418 complaints relating to 727 separate incidents as recorded in the Tories’ complaints database between 2015 and 2020.

In a 44,000-word report on his findings, he said: “Judging by the extent of complaints and findings of misconduct by the party itself that relate to anti-Muslim words and conduct, anti-Muslim sentiment remains a problem within the party.

“This is damaging to the party, and alienates a significant section of society.”

Prof Singh’s review was published almost two years after all five candidates in the 2019 Conservative leadership contest – including eventual winner Boris Johnson – committed to an independent inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia within the party.

He also found:

• Two-thirds of all incidents reported to the complaints team at the Tories’ headquarters related to allegations of anti-Muslim discrimination
• Three-quarters of all incidents recorded in the Tories’ complaints database involved social media
• High-profile incidents, such as remarks made during Lord Goldsmith’s London mayoral campaign and Mr Johnson’s comments on Muslim women in burqas, give the impression to many that the party and its leadership are insensitive to Muslim communities
• But allegations of “institutional racism” against the party were not borne out by the evidence available

Prof Singh said parts of his report would “make for very uncomfortable reading among the leadership and the rank and file”.

“Change will be a difficult process that will require a completely new mindset in some quarters, and one that some party members may not like,” he added.

Conservative co-chairman Amanda Milling said the party would be responding to the report’s recommendations later on Tuesday.

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